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How to count unique values with and without blanks in an Excel column?

Author Sun Last modified
A screenshot of counting unique numeric values excluding blanks
In Excel, you may need to count unique values in a column, but what if there are blank cells in the mix? In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to count unique values excluding blanks using a formula (as shown in the left screenshot), and how to count unique values including blanks with Kutools for Excel. We'll walk you through both methods step-by-step so you can choose the best approach for your needs.

Count unique cells (excluding blanks) by formula
Count unique cells (including blanks) with Kutools for Excel

arrow blue right bubble Count unique cells (excluding blanks) by formula

To count unique numeric values while ignoring blanks, you can use a formula that calculates the distinct numbers in your range.

Select a cell that will put the counting result, enter this formula, =SUMPRODUCT((D2:D13<>"")/COUNTIF(D2:D13,D2:D13&"")), and hold Shift key and press Ctrl + Enter keys to count. See screenshot:
A screenshot of the formula used to count unique numeric values, excluding blanks

Tip: In the formula, D2:D13 is the list range that you want to count unique from.

arrow blue right bubble Count unique cells (including blanks) with Kutools for Excel

If you need to count unique values, including blanks, across a larger dataset, Kutools for Excel offers a quick and easy solution. This method allows you to select and count unique values without manually entering complex formulas.

Kutools for Excel offers over 300 advanced features to streamline complex tasks, boosting creativity and efficiency. Itegarate with AI capabilities, Kutools automates tasks with precision, making data management effortless. Detailed information of Kutools for Excel...         Free trial...

1. Select the list range you want to count, click Kutools > Select > Select Duplicate & Unique Cells. See screenshot:
A screenshot of the Select Duplicate & Unique Cells option in Kutools tab in Excel

2. In the Select Duplicate &Unique Cells dialog, check All unique (Include 1st duplicates) or Unique values only option as you need. You can also check Fill backcolor or Fill font color options as you want. See screenshot:
A screenshot of the Select Duplicate & Unique Cells dialog

3. Click Ok, and a dialog pops out to tell you the number of unique values. See screenshot:
A screenshot of the dialog displaying the count of unique values after using Kutools

4. Click OK to close dialogs, and now all unique values including a blank cell have been selected and highlighted. See screenshot:
A screenshot showing the unique values and blank cells selected and highlighted in Excel

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