Uniq

The uniq function is used to estimate the count of unique values in a dataset. It's particularly useful for analyzing large datasets where an exact count may not be necessary or where performance is a concern. Below is an example query using the uniq function with the EVM Holders API to get the number of unique token holders for a specific token on a given date.

Example Query

{
  EVM(dataset: archive, network: eth) {
    Holders(
      date: "2024-03-04"
      where: { Currency: { SmartContract: { is: "0x95AD61B0A150D79219DCF64E1E6CC01F0B64C4CE" } }, Balance: {Amount: {gt: "0"}}}
    ) {
      exact: uniq(of: Holder_Address, method: exact)
      count(distinct: Holder_Address)
      approximate: uniq(of: Holder_Address, method: approximate)
    }
  }
}

Result

{
  "EVM": {
    "Holders": [
      {
        "approximate": "1373089",
        "count": "1378364",
        "exact": "1378364"
      }
    ]
  }
}

Understanding Uniq Function Variants

• Estimate (uniq): The uniq function estimates the count of unique values. It uses an adaptive sampling algorithm. This approach is highly accurate and CPU-efficient for processing large datasets.
• Exact Count (uniqExact): For scenarios requiring precision, the uniqExact function calculates the exact number of unique values. Although more memory-intensive it guarantees accuracy.

When to Use Each Variant

• Use uniq for Estimates: Opt for the uniq function when an approximate count suffices. This function is ideal for large datasets where performance and efficiency are priorities.
• Use uniqExact for Precision: Choose the uniqExact function when accuracy is non-negotiable. Keep in mind the potential for increased memory usage.

Uniq on a list of fields

of also accepts a list of fields. The metric then counts the distinct combinations of those fields, not the distinct values of each one.

This query counts the distinct buy-mint and sell-mint combinations traded on Solana DEXs on 1 October 2026. count(distinct: ...) accepts the same list and returns the same number as uniq with method: exact.

query ($fields: [Solana_DEXTrade_EnumFields!]) {
  Solana(dataset: archive) {
    DEXTrades(where: {Block: {Date: {is: "2026-10-01"}}}) {
      count(distinct: $fields)
      uniq(
        of: [Trade_Buy_Currency_MintAddress, Trade_Sell_Currency_MintAddress]
        method: exact
      )
    }
  }
}

Variables:

{
  "fields": ["Trade_Buy_Currency_MintAddress", "Trade_Sell_Currency_MintAddress"]
}

Result

{
  "Solana": {
    "DEXTrades": [
      {
        "count": "402072",
        "uniq": "402072"
      }
    ]
  }
}

• Inline or variable: write the list inline, or pass it as a variable of type [<Cube>_EnumFields!], for example [Solana_DEXTrade_EnumFields!] or [EVM_DEXTrade_EnumFields!].
• Combinations, not a union: over a 10-minute window the same query returned 2,750 distinct buy mints, 5,148 distinct sell mints and 11,614 distinct combinations of the two.
• Single field still works: uniq(of: Trade_Buy_Currency_MintAddress) and uniq(of: [Trade_Buy_Currency_MintAddress]) return the same number.
• method works the same way with a list: exact for a precise count, approximate (the default) for an estimate.
• It works on other cubes and chains too, such as EVM.DEXTrades, EVM.Transfers and Solana.DEXTradeByTokens.