Counting Unique Values Across 2 Columns

**mrfloopa** · 06-12-2012, 02:23 PM

This seems simple enough, but I can't seem to find anything. I have two columns, C and D, with first and last names in each one respectively. I would like to count the unique values across both columns. I.e., how many different people there are. I figured out how to do one column, but due to the fact that some people have the same first name and different last names (or vice-versa), this is not particularly useful. What's the best way to do this?

**NBVC** · 06-12-2012, 02:30 PM

Assuming data is in A2:B100, for example, try:

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confirmed with CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER not just ENTER.

**mrfloopa** · 06-12-2012, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by NBVC

Assuming data is in A2:B100, for example, try:

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confirmed with CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER not just ENTER.

This seemed to work. It gave a value within the realm of possibility, but I am dealing with hundreds of names so it is hard to verify. I trust you, though, and it makes sense, so thanks a lot for the quick and accurate help!

**NBVC** · 06-12-2012, 02:38 PM

Another way, that doesn't involve Array formulas and is more efficient is to use a helper column... e.g. in C2

=COUNTIFS(A$2:A2,A2,B$2:B2,B2)=1

copied down

then count the TRUE's

=COUNTIF(C:C,TRUE)

then numbers should match to the original formula and allow you to verify.