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Excel SINGLE Function

Excel SINGLE function
Summary 

The Excel SINGLE function returns a single value using implicit intersection. The SINGLE function is provided for backwards compatibility with implicit intersection formulas in earlier versions of Excel.

The SINGLE function was originally introduced with Dynamic Arrays, but later deprecated in favor of the @ character.
Purpose 
Get single value with implicit intersection
Return value 
Cell or value at implied intersection
Syntax 
=SINGLE (value)
Arguments 
  • value - Value to evaluate using implicit intersection.
Usage notes 

The Excel SINGLE function returns a single value using implicit intersection. The SINGLE function is primarily for backwards compatibility with implicit intersection formulas in earlier versions of Excel.

When the supplied argument is a range, SINGLE will return the cell at the intersection of the row or column of the formula cell. Where there is no intersection, or more than one intersection, SINGLE returns a #VALUE! error.

In the example shown, the following formula in D6 "spills" and returns all values in the range B4:B8:

=B4:B8

When the single function is wrapped around the same range, SINGLE returns 3, which corresponds to cell B6, which intersects with the formula in cell D6:

=SINGLE(B4:B8)
The SINGLE function was originally introduced with Dynamic Arrays, but later deprecated in favor of the @ character.
Related functions 
Excel UNIQUE function
Excel UNIQUE Function
The Excel UNIQUE function returns a list of unique values in a list or range. Values can be text, numbers, dates, times, etc.
Excel FILTER function
Excel FILTER Function

The Excel FILTER function filters a range of data based on supplied criteria, and extracts matching records.

Excel SORT function
Excel SORT Function

The Excel SORT function sorts the contents of a range or array. Values can be sorted by one or more columns. SORT returns a dynamic array of results.

Excel SORTBY function
Excel SORTBY Function
The Excel SORTBY function sorts the contents of a range or array based on the values from another range or array. The range or array used to sort does not need to appear in results.
Excel RANDARRAY function
Excel RANDARRAY Function

The Excel RANDARRAY function generates an array of random numbers between. The size or the array is is specified by rows and columns arguments. Generated values can be either decimals or whole numbers.

Excel SEQUENCE function
Excel SEQUENCE Function

The Excel SEQUENCE function generates a list of sequential numbers in an array. The array can be one dimensional, or two-dimensional. Start and step values are arguments.

See also 
Dynamic array formulas in Excel

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