Excel Tips: Dynamic Arrays – Tech Tip for April 23, 2026

In this week’s tech tip, we’re focusing on how dynamic arrays in Excel can help simplify everyday work with data. Copying formulas down columns or manually updating lists as data changes can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Dynamic arrays allow Excel to return multiple results from a single formula and automatically update those results as the source data changes. Let’s take a look!

What are Dynamic Arrays?

Dynamic arrays are formulas that return multiple values instead of a single result. Instead of copying formulas into multiple cells, Excel automatically spills the results into adjacent cells.

This means:

• Lists update automatically as data changes
• Formulas do not need to be copied down columns
• Reports remain current without manual updates

TIP: Make sure there is enough empty space around your formula so results can expand without blocking other data.

Working With Dynamic Arrays

Let’s look at a few examples of how to work with dynamic arrays. If you are using existing data in a workbook, check to determine if your data is formatted as a table and that you are AutoSaving the Excel workbook in the cloud (the ‘toggle’ at top left should be set to ‘On’ and ‘green’).

In Excel:

• Open an existing workbook containing your data.
• Confirm your data is organized in columns with clear headers.
  • TIP: If your data is in an Excel Table, the formula must be placed outside the table boundaries.
• Click on a blank cell where you want results to appear.
  • Important: Dynamic array formulas “spill” results into multiple cells below and/or to the right. Ensure there are empty cells available in the spill direction.
  • Best practice: Leave 1-2 blank columns between your data/table and where you place the formula to prevent conflicts.
• Type a dynamic array formula in the Formula Bar and press ‘Enter’.

Common Dynamic Array Formulas:

• Use =UNIQUE() to list unique values
• Use =SORT() to sort a range of values
• Use =FILTER() to filter by criteria
• Use =SEQUENCE() to generate a number sequence
• Use SORTBY() to sort by another column

Try these examples:

• Use UNIQUE:
  • Type =UNIQUE(A2:A54) to return a distinct list from a column.
  • In this example: Rows 2 to 54 are highlighted in column A to return only the ‘unique names’ listed in our column for the result.

• Use FILTER:
  • Type =FILTER(A2:I54, E2:E54=”CA”, “No results found”) to return only rows that meet a condition.
  • In this example: Rows 2 to 54 (and all 9 columns, A through I) are selected for where to return results from.
    • The filter searches the ‘State’ column (a single column) and looks for customers from ‘CA’ (California).
    • An optional message: “No results found” will appear if no matches are found.
  • TIP: Filter with a single column first. You can filter by two or more conditions, but formulas become more complex with added values.
  • TIP: The criteria range must always be a SINGLE column (same letter twice, like E2:E54) with the same number of rows as your data range.

• Use SORT:
  • Type =SORT(UNIQUE (E2:E54)) to automatically sort a list.
  • In this example: Rows 2 to 54 are highlighted in column E to then sort the unique States that customers may be from.
  • Find ways to use these formulas with your own data.

• Review the results that populate into adjacent cells automatically.
• Add or update data in your source range and confirm the results update automatically.

Common #SPILL! Error Causes:

• Formula placed inside an Excel Table
• Formula placed directly next to a table (auto-expansion conflict)
• Cells in the spill range aren’t empty (delete old formulas and try again)
• Dynamic array formula copied to multiple cells (only enter it once!)

TIP: Make sure there is enough empty space below or next to your formula so results can “spill” out (expand).

TIP: Start with UNIQUE when testing this feature. It is one of the simplest ways to see how dynamic arrays work with existing data.

TIP: Use Copilot to review your errors with you as you work through formulas and always review your data and responses from Copilot.

Creating Smarter Lists with Dynamic Arrays

Dynamic arrays are especially useful for building cleaner and more responsive lists in Excel.

They can help you:

• Extract unique values from large datasets
• Filter data based on conditions
• Automatically sort information without manual updates

TIP: Use FILTER to create live views of your data instead of manually hiding or sorting rows.

TIP: Combine UNIQUE and SORT to build clean, automatically updated reference lists.

Improving Reporting Efficiency

Because dynamic arrays update automatically, they reduce the need for repeated manual adjustments when data changes.

This can help:

• Reduce errors caused by outdated formulas
• Keep reports consistent over time
• Save time when working with frequently changing data

TIP: Use dynamic arrays in reports that update regularly, such as monthly tracking sheets or active task lists.

A More Flexible Way to Work in Excel

Dynamic arrays are part of Excel’s modern calculation engine and are designed to make working with data more efficient and less manual. By reducing the need for repeated formulas and manual updates, they help users focus more on analyzing data rather than maintaining it.

Reach Out to TechWise Group

Contact TechWise Group to review how your team is working with Excel and explore opportunities to improve reporting, streamline data workflows, and use modern Excel and Copilot features more effectively.