Here is a formula challenge for you.
![How many values are common in 2 lists [homework]](https://img.chandoo.org/hw/formula-size-of-common-values-in-2-lists.png "How many values are common in 2 lists [homework]")
Lets say we have 2 lists of values in A1:A10 & B1:B10
Now, how do you find the number of common values in both lists?
We just want the count, not list of common values it self.
Go ahead and figure out the formula and post your answers here.
Bonus challenges:
- Write the formula if 2 lists have non-numeric values (text for example) ?
- Write the formula if 2 lists are not of same size (A1:A10 and B1:B15 for example) ?
- Write the formula if we have 3 lists (all same size, numeric values) ?
Go ahead and share your answers. I am eager to see what you will come up with.
PS: For some inspiration, check out this forum discussion.
PPS: If you just want to highlight the common values, see this.
13 Responses to “Data Validation using an Unsorted column with Duplicate Entries as a Source List”
Pivot Table will involve manual intervention; hence I prefer to use the 'countif remove duplicate trick' along with 'text sorting formula trick; then using the offset with len to name the final range for validation.
if using the pivot table, set the sort to Ascending, so the list in the validation cell comes back alphabetically.
Hui: Brillant neat idea.
Vipul: I am intrigued by what you are saying. Please is it possible to show us how it can be done, because as u said Hui's method requires user intervention.
Thks to PHD and all
K
Table names dont work directly inside Data validation.
You will have to define a name and point it to the table name and then use the name inside validation
Eg MyClient : Refers to :=Table1[Client]
And then in the list validation say = MyClient
Kieranz,
Pls download the sample here http://cid-e98339d969073094.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/.Public/data-validation-unsorted-list-example.xls
Off course there are many other ways of doing the same and integrating the formulae in multiple columns into one.
Pls refer to column FGHI in that file. Cell G4 is where my validation is.
Vipul:
Many thks, will study it latter.
Rgds
K
[...] to chandoo for the idea of getting unique list using Pivot tables. What we do is that create a pivot table [...]
@Vipul:
Thanks, that was awesome! 🙂
@Playercharlie Happy to hear that 🙂
Great contribution, Hui. Solved a problem of many years!
Thanks to you, A LOT
Hi Hui,
Greeting
hope you are doing well.
I'm interested to send you a private vba excel file which i need to show detail of pivot in new workbook instead of showing in same workbook as new sheet.
Please contact me on muhammed.ye@gmail.com
Best Regards