How to use the Excel SINGLE function

Summary

The Excel SINGLE function returns a single value using implicit intersection. 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.

Version

Excel 365

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.

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Excel SINGLE Function

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