The Problem with Duplicate Bidders

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 126 views

Introduction

When working with data in Google Sheets, it's not uncommon to encounter duplicate values in a column. In this article, we'll explore how to select unique values on a single column in Google Sheets, particularly when the DISTINCT function doesn't work as expected.

The Problem with Duplicate Bidders

You're trying to set up a bid system where the top 5 respondents receive a prize. To achieve this, you want to use SQL to get the top 5 bids, but you're facing a challenge: you can't remove duplicate bidders and only take their top bid. This is where the issue with duplicate values in a column comes into play.

Understanding the Limitations of `DISTINCT`

The DISTINCT function in Google Sheets is designed to return unique values from a range of cells. However, when used on a single column, it may not work as expected, especially when dealing with duplicate values. In your case, you want to select unique values on a single column, but the DISTINCT function doesn't seem to be doing the trick.

Alternative Solutions

So, what can you do instead? Here are a few alternative solutions to select unique values on a single column in Google Sheets:

1. Using the `UNIQUE` Function

The UNIQUE function in Google Sheets is similar to the DISTINCT function, but it's more powerful and flexible. To use the UNIQUE function, follow these steps:

Select the column containing the duplicate values.
Go to the "Data" menu and select "Unique values only."
In the "Unique values only" dialog box, select the column containing the duplicate values.
Click "OK" to apply the changes.

The UNIQUE function will remove duplicate values from the selected column, leaving you with a list of unique values.

2. Using the `FILTER` Function

The FILTER function in Google Sheets is a powerful tool for filtering data. To use the FILTER function to select unique values on a single column, follow these steps:

Select the column containing the duplicate values.
Go to the "Data" menu and select "Filter views."
In the "Filter views" dialog box, select the column containing the duplicate values.
Click "OK" to apply the changes.
In the "Filter" dialog box, select the "Unique values" option.
Click "OK" to apply the changes.

The FILTER function will remove duplicate values from the selected column, leaving you with a list of unique values.

3. Using the `QUERY` Function

The QUERY function in Google Sheets is a powerful tool for querying data. To use the QUERY function to select unique values on a single column, follow these steps:

Select the column containing the duplicate values.
Go to the "Data" menu and select "Query."
In the "Query" dialog box, enter the following formula:

=QUERY(A:A, "SELECT DISTINCT A")

Replace A:A with the range of cells containing the duplicate values.

Click "OK" to apply the changes.

The QUERY function will remove duplicate values from the selected column, leaving you with a list of unique values.

Conclusion

Selecting unique values on a single column in Google Sheets can be a challenge, especially when the DISTINCT function doesn't work as expected. However, with the alternative solutions outlined above, you can easily remove duplicate values and select unique values on a single column. Whether you use the UNIQUE function, the FILTER function, or the QUERY function, you'll be able to achieve your goal and select unique values on a single column in Google Sheets.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Here are a few additional tips and tricks to help you work with unique values in Google Sheets:

To remove duplicate values from a range of cells, use the UNIQUE function or the FILTER function.
To select unique values on a single column, use the UNIQUE function, the FILTER function, or the QUERY function.
To remove duplicate values from a list of values, use the UNIQUE function or the FILTER function.
To select unique values from a list of values, use the UNIQUE function, the FILTER function, or the QUERY function.

By following these tips and tricks, you'll be able to work with unique values in Google Sheets like a pro!

Common Issues and Solutions

Here are a few common issues and solutions to help you troubleshoot problems with unique values in Google Sheets:

Issue: The DISTINCT function doesn't work as expected.
Solution: Use the UNIQUE function, the FILTER function, or the QUERY function to select unique values on a single column.
Issue: The UNIQUE function or the FILTER function doesn't remove duplicate values.
Solution: Check the range of cells containing the duplicate values and ensure that the UNIQUE function or the FILTER function is applied correctly.
Issue: The QUERY function doesn't return unique values.
Solution: Check the formula entered in the "Query" dialog box and ensure that the SELECT DISTINCT clause is used correctly.

By following these common issues and solutions, you'll be able to troubleshoot problems with unique values in Google Sheets and achieve your goal.

Conclusion

Q: What is the difference between the `DISTINCT` function and the `UNIQUE` function in Google Sheets?

A: The DISTINCT function and the UNIQUE function in Google Sheets are both used to remove duplicate values from a range of cells. However, the DISTINCT function is more limited in its functionality and can only be used on a single column, whereas the UNIQUE function can be used on multiple columns.

Q: How do I use the `UNIQUE` function to select unique values on a single column in Google Sheets?

A: To use the UNIQUE function to select unique values on a single column in Google Sheets, follow these steps:

Select the column containing the duplicate values.
Go to the "Data" menu and select "Unique values only."
In the "Unique values only" dialog box, select the column containing the duplicate values.
Click "OK" to apply the changes.

Q: What is the difference between the `FILTER` function and the `QUERY` function in Google Sheets?

A: The FILTER function and the QUERY function in Google Sheets are both used to filter data in a range of cells. However, the FILTER function is more limited in its functionality and can only be used to filter data based on a single condition, whereas the QUERY function can be used to filter data based on multiple conditions.

Q: How do I use the `FILTER` function to select unique values on a single column in Google Sheets?

A: To use the FILTER function to select unique values on a single column in Google Sheets, follow these steps:

Select the column containing the duplicate values.
Go to the "Data" menu and select "Filter views."
In the "Filter views" dialog box, select the column containing the duplicate values.
Click "OK" to apply the changes.
In the "Filter" dialog box, select the "Unique values" option.
Click "OK" to apply the changes.

Q: How do I use the `QUERY` function to select unique values on a single column in Google Sheets?

A: To use the QUERY function to select unique values on a single column in Google Sheets, follow these steps:

Select the column containing the duplicate values.
Go to the "Data" menu and select "Query."
In the "Query" dialog box, enter the following formula:

=QUERY(A:A, "SELECT DISTINCT A")

Replace A:A with the range of cells containing the duplicate values.

Click "OK" to apply the changes.

Q: Can I use the `UNIQUE` function, the `FILTER` function, or the `QUERY` function to select unique values on multiple columns in Google Sheets?

A: Yes, you can use the UNIQUE function, the FILTER function, or the QUERY function to select unique values on multiple columns in Google Sheets. However, the UNIQUE function is more limited in its functionality and can only be used on a single column, whereas the FILTER function and the QUERY function can be used on multiple columns.

Q: How do I troubleshoot problems with unique values in Google Sheets?

A: To troubleshoot problems with unique values in Google Sheets, follow these steps:

Check the range of cells containing the duplicate values and ensure that the UNIQUE function, the FILTER function, or the QUERY function is applied correctly.
Check the formula entered in the "Query" dialog box and ensure that the SELECT DISTINCT clause is used correctly.
Check the "Filter" dialog box and ensure that the "Unique values" option is selected correctly.

Q: Can I use the `UNIQUE` function, the `FILTER` function, or the `QUERY` function to select unique values from a list of values in Google Sheets?

A: Yes, you can use the UNIQUE function, the FILTER function, or the QUERY function to select unique values from a list of values in Google Sheets. However, the UNIQUE function is more limited in its functionality and can only be used on a single column, whereas the FILTER function and the QUERY function can be used on multiple columns.

Q: How do I use the `UNIQUE` function, the `FILTER` function, or the `QUERY` function to select unique values from a list of values in Google Sheets?

A: To use the UNIQUE function, the FILTER function, or the QUERY function to select unique values from a list of values in Google Sheets, follow these steps:

Select the list of values.
Go to the "Data" menu and select "Unique values only."
In the "Unique values only" dialog box, select the list of values.
Click "OK" to apply the changes.

Alternatively, you can use the FILTER function or the QUERY function to select unique values from a list of values in Google Sheets.

Conclusion

Selecting unique values on a single column in Google Sheets can be a challenge, but with the alternative solutions outlined above, you can easily remove duplicate values and select unique values on a single column. Whether you use the UNIQUE function, the FILTER function, or the QUERY function, you'll be able to achieve your goal and select unique values on a single column in Google Sheets.