What's the best way to determine the most common non-numeric value in Google Sheets?

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1

Hey everyone! I’m trying to figure out how to find the most frequent text value in a range of cells in Google Sheets. The regular MODE function only works for numbers, but I need something for text.

Here’s an example of what my data looks like:

Apple
Banana
Apple
Orange
Banana
Apple
Orange
Apple
Banana

I want to know which fruit appears most often in this list. Is there a formula or method to do this without manually counting? I’ve tried a few things but can’t seem to get it right.

Any help would be awesome! Thanks in advance!

2

There’s a straightforward method to find the most common non-numeric value using array formulas. Here’s what you can do:

=ARRAYFORMULA(INDEX(A:A, MATCH(MAX(COUNTIF(A:A, A:A)), COUNTIF(A:A, A:A), 0)))

This formula counts the occurrences of each unique value in your range, finds the maximum count, and then returns the corresponding value. It’s efficient and updates automatically as your data changes.

For your fruit example, it would identify ‘Apple’ as the most frequent. Just replace A:A with your actual data range. I’ve used this approach in inventory management and it’s proven quite reliable.

3

I’ve tackled this issue before in my spreadsheets. The most efficient way I found is using a combination of SORT and QUERY functions. Here’s what worked for me:

=INDEX(SORT(QUERY(A:A,“SELECT A, COUNT(A) WHERE A IS NOT NULL GROUP BY A ORDER BY COUNT(A) DESC”),2,FALSE),1,1)

This formula first counts occurrences of each unique value, then sorts them in descending order, and finally returns the top result. It’s dynamic, so it’ll update automatically as your data changes.

For your fruit example, it would return ‘Apple’ as the most common. Just make sure to adjust the range (A:A) to match where your data is located in your sheet. It’s been a lifesaver for me in analyzing customer preferences and inventory trends.

4

hey guys, i got a trick for this! use the MODE.SNGL function with FILTER.

like this:

=MODE.SNGL(FILTER(A:A, A:A<>“”))

it’ll give u the most common non-blank value. just change A:A to ur data range. works like a charm for me when i’m organizing my music playlists!