By now, you might have experimented with various formula variations to aggregate strings using Query in Google Sheets. But no luck, am I right?
Well, I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone. There are countless questions floating around the web about how to use aggregate functions in Query for strings.
Now, it’s commonly believed that Google Sheets Query doesn’t support the aggregation of text strings, and that’s partially true. But I have a little secret to share with you – you can actually use the aggregation function MAX in Query Select Clause with strings! Yes, you heard it right!
Please keep in mind that you can’t use Concatenate or any other text join functions in Query. However, with the power of MAX, you can aggregate strings using Query in Google Sheets. It’s like a magic trick!
Discover the Magic behind Aggregate Strings in Google Sheets with Query
Let me enlighten you with an example to clarify my concept. Take a look at this screenshot. If it matches your expectations, then buckle up because we’re about to find some epic solutions.
Yes! I have multiple solutions for both sorted and unsorted data. Isn’t that exciting?
In this example, column A1:B contains real-life data, specifically about Miss World Pageant winners by country. However, it’s just a partial dataset with only three countries, allowing you to easily grasp the example.
As you can see in the result, the data in column A (country names) has been grouped and the corresponding values in column B (names of winners) have been aggregated. It’s like magic, right?
To achieve this string aggregation in Query, you need to use a helper column. But don’t worry, I also have a solution using a virtual helper column! I’ve got your back.
Oh, and just so you know, the formula varies for sorted and unsorted data. But don’t fret; I have solutions for both. Let’s dive in!
How to Crush it with Aggregate Strings Using Query in Sorted Data
Let’s start with a helper column approach. This is super easy, and you’ll quickly grasp the formula.
Helper Column Approach:
You can use the same sample data from before for our example.
Step 1:
Since this is a helper column approach, enter this formula in cell C2, which will act as our helper column:
=ArrayFormula(if(len(A2:A),row(A2:A)-match(A2:A,A2:A,0),))This formula will populate sequential numbers based on the group of data in column A. But don’t worry; I won’t bore you with the technical details. If you’re interested, I already have a tutorial on Group Wise Serial Numbering in Google Sheets.
Oh, and here’s an alternative formula just for your information:
=ARRAYFORMULA(if(len(A2:A),COUNTIFS(A2:A,A2:A,ROW(A2:A),"<="&ROW(A2:A)),))Step 2:
Now, use this Query formula in cell E2:
Formula 1:
=query(query(A2:C,"Select A, max(B) where A is not null group by A Pivot C"),"Select * offset 1",0)Voila! You’ll get the same result as shown in the image above. It’s like magic at your fingertips!
Without Using a Helper Column:
If you’re not keen on using an extra column for sequential numbers, fear not! You can directly use the below formula in cell E2. That means you can skip the previous Step 1.
Formula 2:
=ArrayFormula(query(query({A2:B,if(len(A2:A),row(A2:A)-match(A2:A,A2:A,0),)},"Select Col1, max(Col2) where Col1 is not null group by Col1 Pivot Col3"),"Select * offset 1",0))Here, the helper column formula from Step 1 is nested within this Query formula. It’s like a magical combo!
How to Crush it with Aggregate Strings Using Query in Unsorted Data
Are you struggling to aggregate strings in an unsorted data range? Don’t worry; I’ve got your back with these tips.
Once again, we won’t be using any helper column. The formula remains the same as Formula 2 from earlier. But we’ll wrap the data range with SORT within Query.
Formula 3:
=ArrayFormula(query(query({sort(A2:B),if(len(A2:A),row(A2:A)-match(sort(A2:A),sort(A2:A),0),)},"Select Col1, max(Col2) where Col1 is not null group by Col1 Pivot Col3"),"Select * offset 1",0))To help you better understand the formula’s output, I’ve used a new sample data that isn’t realistic. It’s like a sneak peek behind the curtain.
This new sample data contains only a few rows, and the data is unsorted. Check out the image below to get a feel for it.
That’s it! If you have multiple columns in your data to aggregate, you might want to check out my tutorial on Unstacking Multiple Form Responses in Google Sheets. The title might seem different, but the tutorial is perfectly aligned with the above formula.
So go ahead and start crushing it with string aggregation using Query in Google Sheets. Whether your data is sorted or unsorted, these formulas will give you the power to unleash your creativity and make your spreadsheets shine!
Related Tutorials:
- Unstack Data to Group in Google Sheets Using Formula.
- How to Pivot Multiple Columns in Query in Google Sheets.
- How to Get Dynamic Column Reference in Google Sheets Query.
- Datediff Function in Google Sheets Query.
And if you want to explore more hidden gems of knowledge, head over to Crawlan.com. It’s your one-stop destination for all things Google Sheets, where you can uncover even more secrets to level up your spreadsheet game.
Now go forth and conquer, my friend!
