Make filter in excel

Use AutoFilter or built-in comparison operators like «greater than» and “top 10” in Excel to show the data you want and hide the rest. Once you filter data in a range of cells or table, you can either reapply a filter to get up-to-date results, or clear a filter to redisplay all of the data.

Use filters to temporarily hide some of the data in a table, so you can focus on the data you want to see.

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Filter a range of data

  1. Select any cell within the range.

  2. Select Data > Filter.

    Filter button

  3. Select the column header arrow Filter arrow.

  4. Select Text Filters or Number Filters, and then select a comparison, like Between.

    Number Filters Between

  5. Enter the filter criteria and select OK.

    Custom AutoFilter dialog box

Filter data in a table

When you put your data in a table, filter controls are automatically added to the table headers.

An Excel table showing built-in filters

  1. Select the column header arrow Filter drop-down arrow for the column you want to filter.

  2. Uncheck (Select All)  and select the boxes you want to show.

    Filter Gallery

  3. Click OK.

    The column header arrow Filter drop-down arrow changes to a Applied filter iconFilter  icon. Select this icon to change or clear the filter.

Related Topics

Excel Training: Filter data in a table

Guidelines and examples for sorting and filtering data by color

Filter data in a PivotTable

Filter by using advanced criteria

Remove a filter

Filtered data displays only the rows that meet criteria that you specify and hides rows that you do not want displayed. After you filter data, you can copy, find, edit, format, chart, and print the subset of filtered data without rearranging or moving it.

You can also filter by more than one column. Filters are additive, which means that each additional filter is based on the current filter and further reduces the subset of data.

Note: When you use the Find dialog box to search filtered data, only the data that is displayed is searched; data that is not displayed is not searched. To search all the data, clear all filters.

The two types of filters

Using AutoFilter, you can create two types of filters: by a list value or by criteria. Each of these filter types is mutually exclusive for each range of cells or column table. For example, you can filter by a list of numbers, or a criteria, but not by both; you can filter by icon or by a custom filter, but not by both.

Reapplying a filter

To determine if a filter is applied, note the icon in the column heading:

  • A drop-down arrow Filter drop-down arrow means that filtering is enabled but not applied.

    When you hover over the heading of a column with filtering enabled but not applied, a screen tip displays «(Showing All)».

  • A Filter button Applied filter icon means that a filter is applied.

    When you hover over the heading of a filtered column, a screen tip displays the filter applied to that column, such as «Equals a red cell color» or «Larger than 150».

When you reapply a filter, different results appear for the following reasons:

  • Data has been added, modified, or deleted to the range of cells or table column.

  • Values returned by a formula have changed and the worksheet has been recalculated.

Do not mix data types

For best results, do not mix data types, such as text and number, or number and date in the same column, because only one type of filter command is available for each column. If there is a mix of data types, the command that is displayed is the data type that occurs the most. For example, if the column contains three values stored as number and four as text, the Text Filters command is displayed .

Filter data in a table

When you put your data in a table, filtering controls are added to the table headers automatically.

  1. Select the data you want to filter. On the Home tab, click Format as Table, and then pick Format as Table.

    Button to format data as a table

  2. In the Create Table dialog box, you can choose whether your table has headers.

    • Select My table has headers to turn the top row of your data into table headers. The data in this row won’t be filtered.

    • Don’t select the check box if you want Excel for the web to add placeholder headers (that you can rename) above your table data.

      Dialog box for converting data range into a table

  3. Click OK.

  4. To apply a filter, click the arrow in the column header, and pick a filter option.

Filter a range of data

If you don’t want to format your data as a table, you can also apply filters to a range of data.

  1. Select the data you want to filter. For best results, the columns should have headings.

  2. On the Data tab, choose Filter.

Filtering options for tables or ranges

You can either apply a general Filter option or a custom filter specific to the data type. For example, when filtering numbers, you’ll see Number Filters, for dates you’ll see Date Filters, and for text you’ll see Text Filters. The general filter option lets you select the data you want to see from a list of existing data like this:

Custom number filter option

Number Filters lets you apply a custom filter:


the custom filtering options available for number values.

In this example, if you want to see the regions that had sales below $6,000 in March, you can apply a custom filter:

apply the custm filter for number values

Here’s how:

  1. Click the filter arrow next to March > Number Filters > Less Than and enter 6000.

    applying a custom filter to show values below a certain criteria

  2. Click OK.

    Excel for the web applies the filter and shows only the regions with sales below $6000.

    Results of applying a custom number filter

You can apply custom Date Filters and Text Filters in a similar manner.

To clear a filter from a column

  • Click the Filter Applied filter icon button next to the column heading, and then click Clear Filter from <«Column Name»>.

To remove all the filters from a table or range

  • Select any cell inside your table or range and, on the Data tab, click the Filter button.

    This will remove the filters from all the columns in your table or range and show all your data.

  1. Click a cell in the range or table that you want to filter.

  2. On the Data tab, click Filter.

    On the Data tab, select Filter

  3. Click the arrow Arrow showing that column is filtered in the column that contains the content that you want to filter.

  4. Under Filter, click Choose One, and then enter your filter criteria.

    In the Filter box, select Choose One

Notes: 

  • You can apply filters to only one range of cells on a sheet at a time.

  • When you apply a filter to a column, the only filters available for other columns are the values visible in the currently filtered range.

  • Only the first 10,000 unique entries in a list appear in the filter window.

  1. Click a cell in the range or table that you want to filter.

  2. On the Data tab, click Filter.

    On the Data tab, select Filter

  3. Click the arrow Arrow showing that column is filtered in the column that contains the content that you want to filter.

  4. Under Filter, click Choose One, and then enter your filter criteria.

    In the Filter box, select Choose One

  5. In the box next to the pop-up menu, enter the number that you want to use.

  6. Depending on your choice, you may be offered additional criteria to select:

    In the Filter box, select And or Or to add more criteria

Notes: 

  • You can apply filters to only one range of cells on a sheet at a time.

  • When you apply a filter to a column, the only filters available for other columns are the values visible in the currently filtered range.

  • Only the first 10,000 unique entries in a list appear in the filter window.

  • Instead of filtering, you can use conditional formatting to make the top or bottom numbers stand out clearly in your data.

You can quickly filter data based on visual criteria, such as font color, cell color, or icon sets. And you can filter whether you have formatted cells, applied cell styles, or used conditional formatting.

  1. In a range of cells or a table column, click a cell that contains the cell color, font color, or icon that you want to filter by.

  2. On the Data tab, click Filter .

    On the Data tab, select Filter

  3. Click the arrow AutoFilter arrow in the column that contains the content that you want to filter.

  4. Under Filter, in the By color pop-up menu, select Cell Color, Font Color, or Cell Icon, and then click a color.

This option is available only if the column that you want to filter contains a blank cell.

  1. Click a cell in the range or table that you want to filter.

  2. On the Data toolbar, click Filter.

    On the Data tab, select Filter

  3. Click the arrow AutoFilter arrow in the column that contains the content that you want to filter.

  4. In the (Select All) area, scroll down and select the (Blanks) check box.

    Notes: 

    • You can apply filters to only one range of cells on a sheet at a time.

    • When you apply a filter to a column, the only filters available for other columns are the values visible in the currently filtered range.

    • Only the first 10,000 unique entries in a list appear in the filter window.

  1. Click a cell in the range or table that you want to filter.

  2. On the Data tab, click Filter .

    On the Data tab, select Filter

  3. Click the arrow AutoFilter arrow in the column that contains the content that you want to filter.

  4. Under Filter, click Choose One, and then in the pop-up menu, do one of the following:

    To filter the range for

    Click

    Rows that contain specific text

    Contains or Equals.

    Rows that do not contain specific text

    Does Not Contain or Does Not Equal.

  5. In the box next to the pop-up menu, enter the text that you want to use.

  6. Depending on your choice, you may be offered additional criteria to select:

    In the Filter box, select And or Or to add more criteria

    To

    Click

    Filter the table column or selection so that both criteria must be true

    And.

    Filter the table column or selection so that either or both criteria can be true

    Or.

  1. Click a cell in the range or table that you want to filter.

  2. On the Data toolbar, click Filter .

    On the Data tab, select Filter

  3. Click the arrow AutoFilter arrow in the column that contains the content that you want to filter.

  4. Under Filter, click Choose One, and then in the pop-up menu, do one of the following:

    To filter for

    Click

    The beginning of a line of text

    Begins With.

    The end of a line of text

    Ends With.

    Cells that contain text but do not begin with letters

    Does Not Begin With.

    Cells that contain text but do not end with letters

    Does Not End With.

  5. In the box next to the pop-up menu, enter the text that you want to use.

  6. Depending on your choice, you may be offered additional criteria to select:

    In the Filter box, select And or Or to add more criteria

    To

    Click

    Filter the table column or selection so that both criteria must be true

    And.

    Filter the table column or selection so that either or both criteria can be true

    Or.

Wildcard characters can be used to help you build criteria.

  1. Click a cell in the range or table that you want to filter.

  2. On the Data toolbar, click Filter.

    On the Data tab, select Filter

  3. Click the arrow AutoFilter arrow in the column that contains the content that you want to filter.

  4. Under Filter, click Choose One, and select any option.

  5. In the text box, type your criteria and include a wildcard character.

    For example, if you wanted your filter to catch both the word «seat» and «seam», type sea?.

  6. Do one of the following:

    Use

    To find

    ? (question mark)

    Any single character

    For example, sm?th finds «smith» and «smyth»

    * (asterisk)

    Any number of characters

    For example, *east finds «Northeast» and «Southeast»

    ~ (tilde)

    A question mark or an asterisk

    For example, there~? finds «there?»

Do any of the following:

To

Do this

Remove specific filter criteria for a filter

Click the arrow AutoFilter arrow in a column that includes a filter, and then click Clear Filter.

Remove all filters that are applied to a range or table

Select the columns of the range or table that have filters applied, and then on the Data tab, click Filter.

Remove filter arrows from or reapply filter arrows to a range or table

Select the columns of the range or table that have filters applied, and then on the Data tab, click Filter.

When you filter data, only the data that meets your criteria appears. The data that doesn’t meet that criteria is hidden. After you filter data, you can copy, find, edit, format, chart, and print the subset of filtered data.

Table with Top 4 Items filter applied

Filter of top four values

Filters are additive. This means that each additional filter is based on the current filter and further reduces the subset of data. You can make complex filters by filtering on more than one value, more than one format, or more than one criteria. For example, you can filter on all numbers greater than 5 that are also below average. But some filters (top and bottom ten, above and below average) are based on the original range of cells. For example, when you filter the top ten values, you’ll see the top ten values of the whole list, not the top ten values of the subset of the last filter.

In Excel, you can create three kinds of filters: by values, by a format, or by criteria. But each of these filter types is mutually exclusive. For example, you can filter by cell color or by a list of numbers, but not by both. You can filter by icon or by a custom filter, but not by both.

Filters hide extraneous data. In this manner, you can concentrate on just what you want to see. In contrast, when you sort data, the data is rearranged into some order. For more information about sorting, see Sort a list of data.

When you filter, consider the following guidelines:

  • Only the first 10,000 unique entries in a list appear in the filter window.

  • You can filter by more than one column. When you apply a filter to a column, the only filters available for other columns are the values visible in the currently filtered range.

  • You can apply filters to only one range of cells on a sheet at a time.

Note: When you use Find to search filtered data, only the data that is displayed is searched; data that is not displayed is not searched. To search all the data, clear all filters.

Need more help?

You can always ask an expert in the Excel Tech Community or get support in the Answers community.

#Руководства

  • 5 авг 2022

  • 0

Как из сотен строк отобразить только необходимые? Как отфильтровать таблицу сразу по нескольким условиям и столбцам? Разбираемся на примерах.

Иллюстрация: Meery Mary для Skillbox Media

Ксеня Шестак

Рассказывает просто о сложных вещах из мира бизнеса и управления. До редактуры — пять лет в банке и три — в оценке имущества. Разбирается в Excel, финансах и корпоративной жизни.

Фильтры в Excel — инструмент, с помощью которого из большого объёма информации выбирают и показывают только нужную в данный момент. После фильтрации в таблице отображаются данные, которые соответствуют условиям пользователя. Данные, которые им не соответствуют, скрыты.

В статье разберёмся:

  • как установить фильтр по одному критерию;
  • как установить несколько фильтров одновременно и отфильтровать таблицу по заданному условию;
  • для чего нужен расширенный фильтр и как им пользоваться;
  • как очистить фильтры.

Фильтрация данных хорошо знакома пользователям интернет-магазинов. В них не обязательно листать весь ассортимент, чтобы найти нужный товар. Можно заполнить критерии фильтра, и платформа скроет неподходящие позиции.

Фильтры в Excel работают по тому же принципу. Пользователь выбирает параметры данных, которые ему нужно отобразить, — и Excel убирает из таблицы всё лишнее.

Разберёмся, как это сделать.

Для примера воспользуемся отчётностью небольшого автосалона. В таблице собрана информация о продажах: характеристики авто, цены, даты продажи и ответственные менеджеры.

Таблица, в которой хранятся данные о продажах автосалона
Скриншот: Excel / Skillbox Media

Допустим, нужно показать продажи только одного менеджера — Соколова П. Воспользуемся фильтрацией.

Шаг 1. Выделяем ячейку внутри таблицы — не обязательно ячейку столбца «Менеджер», любую.

Чтобы настроить фильтрацию, выбираем любую ячейку таблицы
Скриншот: Excel / Skillbox Media

Шаг 2. На вкладке «Главная» нажимаем кнопку «Сортировка и фильтр».

Нажимаем кнопку «Сортировка и фильтр»
Скриншот: Excel / Skillbox Media

Шаг 3. В появившемся меню выбираем пункт «Фильтр».

Жмём сюда, чтобы применить фильтрацию ко всем столбцам таблицы
Скриншот: Excel / Skillbox Media

То же самое можно сделать через кнопку «Фильтр» на вкладке «Данные».

Второй способ установить фильтрацию
Скриншот: Excel / Skillbox Media

Шаг 4. В каждой ячейке шапки таблицы появились кнопки со стрелками — нажимаем на кнопку столбца, который нужно отфильтровать. В нашем случае это столбец «Менеджер».

Нажимаем кнопку столбца, который нужно отфильтровать, — появляется меню фильтра
Скриншот: Excel / Skillbox Media

Шаг 5. В появившемся меню флажком выбираем данные, которые нужно оставить в таблице, — в нашем случае данные менеджера Соколова П., — и нажимаем кнопку «Применить фильтр».

Выбираем менеджера, данные о продажах которого нужно показать в таблице
Скриншот: Excel / Skillbox Media

Готово — таблица показывает данные о продажах только одного менеджера. На кнопке со стрелкой появился дополнительный значок. Он означает, что в этом столбце настроена фильтрация.

Результат фильтрации по одному параметру
Скриншот: Excel / Skillbox Media

Чтобы ещё уменьшить количество отображаемых в таблице данных, можно применять несколько фильтров одновременно. При этом как фильтр можно задавать не только точное значение ячеек, но и условие, которому отфильтрованные ячейки должны соответствовать.

Разберём на примере.

Выше мы уже отфильтровали таблицу по одному параметру — оставили в ней продажи только менеджера Соколова П. Добавим второй параметр — среди продаж Соколова П. покажем автомобили дороже 1,5 млн рублей.

Шаг 1. Открываем меню фильтра для столбца «Цена, руб.» и нажимаем на параметр «Выберите».

Открываем меню фильтра столбца «Цена, руб.» и жмём сюда
Скриншот: Excel / Skillbox Media

Шаг 2. Выбираем критерий, которому должны соответствовать отфильтрованные ячейки.

В нашем случае нужно показать автомобили дороже 1,5 млн рублей — выбираем критерий «Больше».

Выбираем критерий фильтрации
Скриншот: Excel / Skillbox Media

Шаг 3. Дополняем условие фильтрации — в нашем случае «Больше 1500000» — и нажимаем «Применить фильтр».

Дополняем условие фильтрации
Скриншот: Excel / Skillbox Media

Готово — фильтрация сработала по двум параметрам. Теперь таблица показывает только те проданные менеджером авто, цена которых была выше 1,5 млн рублей.

Результат фильтрации по двум параметрам
Скриншот: Excel / Skillbox Media

Расширенный фильтр позволяет фильтровать таблицу по сложным критериям сразу в нескольких столбцах.

Это можно сделать способом, который мы описали выше: поочерёдно установить несколько стандартных фильтров или фильтров с условиями пользователя. Но в случае с объёмными таблицами этот способ может быть неудобным и трудозатратным. Для экономии времени применяют расширенный фильтр.

Принцип работы расширенного фильтра следующий:

  • Копируют шапку исходной таблицы и создают отдельную таблицу для условий фильтрации.
  • Вводят условия.
  • Запускают фильтрацию.

Разберём на примере. Отфильтруем отчётность автосалона по трём критериям:

  • менеджер — Шолохов Г.;
  • год выпуска автомобиля — 2019-й или раньше;
  • цена — до 2 млн рублей.

Шаг 1. Создаём таблицу для условий фильтрации — для этого копируем шапку исходной таблицы и вставляем её выше.

Важное условие — между таблицей с условиями и исходной таблицей обязательно должна быть пустая строка.

Создаём таблицу для условий фильтрации
Скриншот: Excel / Skillbox Media

Шаг 2. В созданной таблице вводим критерии фильтрации:

  • «Год выпуска» → <=2019.
  • «Цена, руб.» → <2000000.
  • «Менеджер» → Шолохов Г.

В таблице с условиями вводим критерии фильтрации
Скриншот: Excel / Skillbox Media

Шаг 3. Выделяем любую ячейку исходной таблицы и на вкладке «Данные» нажимаем кнопку «Дополнительно».

Выделяем ячейку исходной таблицы и нажимаем на «Дополнительно», чтобы вызвать меню расширенного фильтра
Скриншот: Excel / Skillbox Media

Шаг 4. В появившемся окне заполняем параметры расширенного фильтра:

  • Выбираем, где отобразятся результаты фильтрации: в исходной таблице или в другом месте. В нашем случае выберем первый вариант — «Фильтровать список на месте».
  • Диапазон списка — диапазон таблицы, для которой нужно применить фильтр. Он заполнен автоматически, для этого мы выделяли ячейку исходной таблицы перед тем, как вызвать меню.

Эти параметры меню выставлены программой автоматически
Скриншот: Excel / Skillbox Media
  • Диапазон условий — диапазон таблицы с условиями фильтрации. Ставим курсор в пустое окно параметра и выделяем диапазон: шапку таблицы и строку с критериями. Данные диапазона автоматически появляются в окне параметров расширенного фильтра.

Выделяем диапазон таблицы с условиями
Скриншот: Excel / Skillbox Media

Шаг 5. Нажимаем «ОК» в меню расширенного фильтра.

Готово — исходная таблица отфильтрована по трём заданным параметрам.

Итог работы расширенного фильтра
Скриншот: Excel / Skillbox Media

Отменить фильтрацию можно тремя способами:

1. Вызвать меню отфильтрованного столбца и нажать на кнопку «Очистить фильтр».

Первый способ снять фильтрацию
Скриншот: Excel / Skillbox Media

2. Нажать на кнопку «Сортировка и фильтр» на вкладке «Главная». Затем — либо снять галочку напротив пункта «Фильтр», либо нажать «Очистить фильтр».

Второй способ снять фильтрацию
Скриншот: Excel / Skillbox Media

3. Нажать на кнопку «Очистить» на вкладке «Данные».

Третий способ снять фильтрацию
Скриншот: Excel / Skillbox Media

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Advanced filter in Excel provides more opportunities for managing on data management spreadsheets. It is more complex in settings, but much more effective in action.

Using a standard filter, a Microsoft Excel user can solve not all of the tasks that are set. There is no visual display of the applied filtering conditions. It is not possible to apply more than two selection criteria. You can not filter the duplicate values to leave only unique records. And the criteria themselves are schematic and simple. The functionality of the extended filter is much richer. Let’s take a closer look at its possibilities.



How to make the advanced filter in Excel?

The advanced filter allows you to analysis data on an unlimited set of conditions. With this tool, the user can:

  • to specify more than two selection criteria;
  • to copy the result of filtering to another sheet;
  • to set the condition of any complexity with the helping of formulas;
  • to extract the unique values.

The algorithm for applying the extended filter is simple.

  1. To make the table with the original data or to open an existing one. Like so:
  2. make the table.

  3. To create the condition table. The features: the header line is the same with the «cap» of the filtered table. To avoid errors, need to copy the header line in the source table and paste it on the same sheet (side, top, underarm) or on another sheet. We enter the selection criteria into the condition table.
  4. selection criteria.

  5. Go to the «DATA» tab — «Sort and filter» — «Advanced». If the filtered information should be displayed on another sheet (NOT where the source table is), then you need to run the extended filter from another sheet.
  6. Advanced.

  7. In the «Advanced Filter» window that opens, to select the method of processing information (on the same sheet or on the other one), set the initial range (the table 1, example) and the range of conditions (the table 2, conditions). The header lines must be included in the ranges.
  8. ranges.

  9. To close the «Advanced Filter» window, click OK. We see the result.

result.

The top table is the result of the filtering. The lower nameplate with the conditions is given for clarity near.



How to use the advanced filter in Excel?

To cancel the action of the advanced filter, we place the cursor anywhere in the table and press Ctrl + Shift + L or «DATA» — «Sort and Filter» — «Clear».

We will find using the «Advanced Filter» tool information on the values that contain the word «Set».

In the table of conditions we bring in the criteria. For example, these are:

bring in the criteria.

The program in this case will search for all information on the goods, in the title of which there is the word «Set».

Set.

To search for the exact value, you can use the «=» sign. We enter the following criteria in the condition table:

condition table.

Excel sees the «=» as a signal: the user will set the formula now. In order for the program to work correctly, the following should be written in the formula line: =»=Set of covers 6″.

After using the «Advanced Filter»:

After Advanced Filter.

We filter the source table by the condition «OR» for different columns now. The operator «OR» is also in the tool «AutoFilter». But there it can be used within the single column.

In the condition label we introduce the selection criteria: =»=Set of covers 6″. (In the column «Name of product») and = «<2.5$» (in the column «Price»). That is, the program must select those values that contain the EXACTLY information about the good «Set of covers 6 ». OR to the information about the goods, which price is <2.5.

which price.

Please note: the criteria must be written under the corresponding headings in the DIFFERENT lines.

DIFFERENT lines.

The result of selection:

result of selection.

The advanced filter allows you to use as a criterion of a formula. Let’s consider the example.

consider the example.

Selection of the line with the maximum indebtedness: =MAX(Table1[Debt]).

MAX.

So we get the results as after running several filters on the one Excel sheet.

How to make few filters in Excel?

Let’s create the filter by several values. To do this, we enter in the table of conditions several criteria for selecting data:

selecting data.

Apply the tool «Advanced Filter»:

Good.

Now from the table with the selected data we will extract new information, which was selected according to other criteria. There are only shipping date for autumn 2015 (from September to November). Example:

shipping date for autumn.

We introduce a new criterion in the condition table and apply the filtering tool. The initial range — is the table with data selected according to the previous criterion. This is how the filter is performed across on several columns.

To use few filters, you can create several condition tables on the new sheets. The method of implementation depends from the task which was set by user.

How to make the filter in Excel by lines?

By standard methods — you may not do it by any ways. Microsoft Excel selects data only in columns. Therefore, we need to look for other solutions.

Here are some examples of string criteria for the extended filter in Excel:

  1. Convert to the table. For example, from three rows make a list of three columns and apply the filtering to the transformed version.
  2. Convert to the table.

  3. Use formulas to display exactly the data in the string that are needed. For example, make some indicator drop-down list. And in the next cell, enter the formula using the IF function. When a certain value is selected from the drop-down list, its parameter appears next to it.

To give an example of how the filter works by rows in Excel, we are creating the label:

example.

For the list of products, we create the drop-down list:

drop-down list.

If necessary, learn how to create a drop-down list in Excel.

Above the table with the original data, we insert an empty line. In the cells, we introduce the formula that will show which columns the information is taken from.

formula.

Next to the drop-down list box, we enter the following formula:

Its task is select from the table those values, that correspond to a certain good.

Done.

Download examples of advanced filtering

Thus, using the tool «Drop-down list» and built-in functions Excel selects data in rows according to a certain criterion.

What is Filter in Excel?

The filter in excel helps display relevant data by eliminating the irrelevant entries temporarily from the view. The data is filtered as per the given criteria. The purpose of filtering is to focus on the crucial areas of a dataset. For example, the city-wise sales data of an organization can be filtered by the location. Hence, the user can view the sales of selected cities at a given time.

A filter is necessarily required when working with a huge database. Being a widely used tool, the filter converts a comprehensive view into an easy-to-understand one. To apply filters, the dataset must contain a header row which specifies the name of every column.

Table of contents
  • What is Filter in Excel?
    • How to Filter in Excel?
      • Method 1: With Filter Option Under the Home tab
      • Method 2: With Filter Option Under the Data tab
      • Method 3: With the Shortcut key
    • How to Add Filters in Excel?
      • Example #1–“Number Filters” Option
      • Example #2–“Search Box” Option
    • Option while you Drop Down the Filter Function
    • The Techniques of Filtering in Excel
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Recommended Articles

How-to-Filter-in-Excel

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How to Filter in Excel?

You can download this Filter Column Excel Template here – Filter Column Excel Template

It is good to work with filters because they fit our needs the way we want to. In order to filter data, select the entries to be visible and deselect the rest of the items.

The three methods to add filters in excel are listed as follows:

  1. With filter option under the Home tab
  2. With filter option under the Data tab
  3. With the shortcut key

Let us consider a dataset to go through the three methods of adding filters.

The following table shows the invoices issued to the buyers of different cities. We want to filter the data using different methods.

How to Filter in Excel Example 1

Method 1: With Filter Option Under the Home tab

In the Home tab, there is a “filter” option under the “sort and filter” drop-down of the “editing” section, as shown in the following image.

 Example 1.1

Step 1: Select the data and click “filter” under the “sort and filter” drop-down.

How to Filter in Excel Example 1.2

Step 2: The filters are added to the selected data range. The drop-down arrows, shown within the red boxes in the following image, are filters.

Example 1.3

Step 3: Click the drop-down arrow of the column “city” to view the different names of the cities.

How to Filter in Excel Example 1.4.0

Step 4: To see the invoice values of “Delhi” only, select “Delhi” and uncheck all the remaining boxes.

Example 1.5

Step 5: The data for the city “Delhi” is filtered and displayed in the following image.

How to Filter in Excel Example 1.6

Method 2: With Filter Option Under the Data tab

In the Data tab, there is a “filter” option under the “sort and filter” section, as shown in the following image.

Example 1.7

Method 3: With the Shortcut key

The keyboard shortcutsAn Excel shortcut is a technique of performing a manual task in a quicker way.read more are a good way to speed up the daily tasks. Select the data and add the filter using either of the following shortcuts:

  • Press the keys “Shift+Ctrl+L” together.

How to Filter in Excel Example 1.19

  • Press the keys “Alt+D+F+F” together.

How to Filter in Excel Example 1.18

Note: The preceding shortcuts for adding filtersUsing sorting and filtering, we can see the data category wise. With filtering data quickly you can easily navigate through menus or clicking through a mouse in less time.read more are toggle keys. Repetitive pressing helps to turn on and turn off the filters.

How to Add Filters in Excel?

We can filter numbers using advanced techniques. Let us consider some examples to understand the working of filters in Excel.

Example #1–“Number Filters” Option

Working on the data under the preceding heading (methods of filtering in Excel), we want to apply the following filters:

a. To filter column B (invoice value) for numbers greater than 10000

b. To filter column B for numbers greater than 10000 but less than 20000

Let us go through the two cases one by one.

a. Filter numbers greater than 10000

Step 1: Open the filter in column B (invoice value) by clicking on the filter symbol.

Step 2: In “number filters,” choose the “greater than” option, as shown in the following image.

How to Filter in Excel Example 1.8

Step 3: The “custom autofilter” box appears.

Example 1.9.0

Step 4: Enter the number 10000 in the box to the right of “is greater than.”

How to Filter in Excel Example 1.10

Step 5: The output displays the invoice values greater than 10000. The symbol within the red box is the filter icon. It indicates that the filter has been applied to column B.

Example 1.11

b. Filter numbers greater than 10000 but less than 20000

Step 1: In “number filters,” choose the “greater than” option.

Step 2: In the “custom autofilter” box, select “is less than” in the second box to the left-hand side. This is shown in the following image.

How to Filter in Excel Example 1.12

Step 3: Enter the number 10000 in the box to the right of “is greater than.” Enter the number 20000 in the box to the right of “is less than.”

 Example 1.13

Step 4: The output displays the invoice values greater than 10000 but less than 20000.

How to Filter in Excel Example 1.14

Example #2–“Search Box” Option

Working on the data under the preceding heading (methods of filtering in Excel), we have replaced the first column (city) with product IDs.

We want to filter the details of product ID “prd 1.”

The steps are listed as follows:

Step 1: Add filters to the columns “product ID” and “invoice value.”

Example 1.15

Step 2: In the search boxA search box in Excel finds the needed data by typing into it, then filters the data and displays only that much info. When working with large datasheets, this simple tool may save a lot of time.read more, enter the value that is to be filtered. So, enter “prd 1.”

How to Filter in Excel Example 1.16

Step 3: The output displays only the filtered value from the list, as shown in the following image. Hence, we can see the invoice value of the product ID “prd 1.”

Example 1.17

Option while you Drop Down the Filter Function

  1. Sort A to Z and Sort Z to A: If you wish to arrange your data ascending or descending order.
  2. Sort by Color: If you want to filter the data by color if a cell is filled by color.
  3. Text filter: When you want to filter a column with some exact text or number.
  4. Filter cells that begin with or end with an exact character or the text
  5. Filter cells that contain or do not contain a given character or word anywhere in the text.
  6. Filter cells that are exactly equal or not equal to a detailed character.

For example:

  • Suppose you want to use the filter for a specific item. Click on to text filter and choose equals.

example 1.7

  • It enables you the one dialogue, which includes a Custom Auto-Filter dialogue box.

example 1.8

  • Enter fruits under category and click Ok.

example 1.9

  • Now you will get the data of fruits category only as shown below.

example 1.10

The Techniques of Filtering in Excel

The following techniques must be followed while filtering data:

  • If the dataset is large, type the value to be filtered. This filters all the possible matches.
  • If numerical data has to be filtered by specifying the greater than or the less than number, use the “number filters” option.
  • If data has to be filtered by the color of specific rows, use the “filter by color” option.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are filters and how to add them in Excel?

Filtering is a technique which displays the required information and removes the unwanted data from the view. It helps the user focus on the relevant data at a given time.

The steps to add filters in Excel are listed as follows:
• Ensure that a header row appears on top of the data, specifying the column labels.
• Select the data on which filters are to be added.
• Add filters by any of the three given methods.
o Click the “filter” option under the “sort and filter” (editing section) drop-down of the Home tab.
o Click the “filter” option under the “sort and filter” section of the Data tab.
o Press the keys “Shift+Ctrl+L” or “Alt+D+F+F.”

Note: As soon as the filters are added, a drop-down arrow appears on the particular column header.

2. How to apply filters to one or more columns?

The steps to apply filters to one or more columns are listed as follows:
• Click the drop-down arrow of the column to be filtered.
• Uncheck the “select all” option which helps deselect all data.
• Select the boxes to be displayed.
• Click “Ok.”
The drop-down arrow changes to the filter icon as soon as a filter is applied. When filters are applied to multiple columns, the filter icon appears on each one of them. Hovering over the filter icon shows the filters that have been applied.

Note: The drop-down arrow on a column header indicates a filter is added. The filter icon indicates a filter has been applied.

3. How to use filters in Excel?

The filters can be applied to numbers, text values, and dates. These cases are discussed as follows:
Filter numbers
• Click on the “number filters.”
• Select any of the options like “equals,” “does not equals,” “greater than,” “less than,” “between,” “above average,” and so on.
• Specify the required fields in the dialog box that appears. This box may or may not be displayed.

For instance, in “equals,” enter the number against which the values should be compared. The filtered results show the matching numerical values.

Filter text and date values
• To filter text and date values, select “text filters” and “date filters” from the respective drop-down arrows.
• The “text filters” allow filtering text strings which contain specific characters or words. The “date filters” allow filtering dates for a particular year, month, week, and so on.

Note: The “plus” and the “minus” sign of the date filters are used for expanding and collapsing the various levels respectively.

Recommended Articles

This has been a guide to Filter in Excel. Here we discuss how to use/add filters in excel along with step by step examples and a downloadable template. You may learn more about Excel from the following articles –

  • VBA FilterThe VBA Filter tool is used to sort out or fetch the desired data. However, this function accepts optional arguments, and the only required argument is an expression that covers the range, such as worksheets(«Sheet1»). Range(“A1”).read more
  • How to Filter Pivot Table?By right-clicking on the pivot table, we can access the pivot table filter option. Another approach is to use the filter options available in the pivot table fields.read more
  • Advanced Filter in ExcelThe advanced filter is different from the auto filter in Excel. This feature is not like a button that one can use with a single click of the mouse. To use an advanced filter, we have to define criteria for the auto filter and then click on the “Data” tab. Then, in the advanced section for the advanced filter, we will fill our criteria for the data.read more
  • Types of Filters in Power BIThe filter function in Power BI is more commonly used to read data or reports based on multiple criteria. Visual level filters, page-level filters, report-level filters, drill-through filters, and so on are all available filters in Power Bi.read more

This post will guide you how to extracts matched values using FILTER function in Microsoft Excel 365. And also will introduce that how to use FILTER function with same examples in Excel 365.

Table of Contents

  • Excel Filter Function
  • Entering FILTER Formula in Excel
  • Excel filtering by a single criteria
    • Example 1: How to use a number as a filter
    • Example 2: How to filter in Excel by a cell value
    • Example 3: Using Excel’s text filter
    • Example 4: Using NOT EQUAL TO as a FILTER condition in Excel
    •  Example 5: How to use the date filter in Excel
    • Example 6: Filtering by date in Excel
    • Example 7: Filtering based on two Conditions
    • Example 8: Filtering Based on Two Conditions using OR Logic
    • Example 9: Filter Data in Excel from Another Sheet
    • Example 10: Providing Maximum Number of Rows of Filtered Data
  • Conclusion
    • Related Functions

The FILTER function “filters” a set of data according to the conditions specified. The outcome is an array of values that match those in the original range. Simply said, the FILTER function extracts matched records from a collection of data using one or more logical checks. The include argument specifies logical tests, which might encompass a wide variety of formula conditions. For instance, FILTER may match data from a given year or month, data containing specific content, or numbers above a specified threshold.

=FILTER(array,include,[if empty])

Three parameters are required for the FILTER function: array, include, and if empty.

Where:

  • Array – This is required argument. The range or array to filter is specified by array.
  • Include – This is required argument. Include one or more logical tests in the include These tests should return TRUE or FALSE depending on the array values evaluated.
  • If_empty – This is option argument. The last input, if empty, specifies the value to return if FILTER does not discover any matching values. Typically, this is a message along the lines of “No records found,” although other values may also be returned. To show nothing, provide an empty string (“”).

Entering FILTER Formula in Excel


FILTER provides dynamic results. When the values in the source data change or the size of the source data array changes, the FILTER results are updated automatically. The results of FILTER will “leak” into numerous cells on the worksheet.

To filter data in Excel using the FILTER function, follow these steps:

Step1: To begin your filter formula, enter =FILTER(.

Step2: Enter the address for the range of cells containing the data you want to filter, for example, A2:C10.

Step3: Type a comma, followed by the filter's condition, such as B2:B20>3 (To specify a condition, type the address of the “criteria column,” such as C1:C, followed by an operator symbol such as greater than (>), and finally the criterion, such as the number 3.

Step4: Complete the parenthesis with a closing parenthesis and then hit enter on the keyboard. Your full formula will appear as follows: =FILTER(A2:C10, B2:B20>3)

I’ll begin with the fundamentals of utilizing the FILTER function, and then demonstrate some more advanced uses of the FILTER function. This article discusses the FILTER function as a formula entered into spreadsheet cells, not the filter command accessible from the toolbar and pop-up menus.

While using the FILTER function in Excel is almost identical to using it in Google Sheets, there are some subtle variations.

Excel filtering by a single criteria


To begin, let’s review how to use Excel’s FILTER function in its simplest version, with a single condition/criteria.

I’ll demonstrate how to filter data using a number, a cell value, a text string, or a date… and I’ll also demonstrate how to utilize a variety of “operators” in the filter condition (Less than, Equal to, etc…).

Example 1: How to use a number as a filter


In this first demonstration of how to use the filter tool in Excel, we have a list of students and their grades and wish to create a filtered list of only students with flawless grades.

The assignment: Display a list of students and their grades, but only those who have earned an A.

The reasoning: Filter the range A2:B10 for values larger than 0.7 in the column B2:B10 (70 percent ). Then you can use the following FILTER formula,type:

=FILTER(A2:B10, B2:B10 >0.7)

excel filter function

Example 2: How to filter in Excel by a cell value


In this excel filter function example, we want to do the same thing as stated before, but rather than inputting the condition straight into the formula, we’re going to use a cell reference.

When you filter in Excel by a cell value, your sheet is configured in such a way that you may alter the value in the cell at any moment, which updates the value to which the filter criterion is tied.

In this example, rather than explicitly entering the value “0.8” into the formula, the filter criterion is set to cell G1, which contains the “0.8” value.

The assignment: Display a list of students and their grades, but only those with a score of less than 80%.

The reasoning: Filter the range A2:B10 to the extent that B2:B10 is smaller than the value supplied in column G1 (0.8).

You can use the following FILTER formula, type:

=FILTER(A2:B10, B2:B10 <G1)

excel filter function

Example 3: Using Excel’s text filter


In this example, we’ll utilize a text string as the filter formula’s criterion. This is fairly similar to using a number, except that the text to filter must be enclosed in quote marks.

We are filtering a list of customers and their payment status in this instance, and we want to present just customers with a payment status of “Payed“.

The objective is to provide a list of clients that have paid on their payments.

The reasoning: Filter the range A2:B6 by substituting the string “ Payed ” for B2:B6.

The following formula: In this example, the formula below is typed in the cell (E1).

=FILTER(A3:B12, B2:B6=" Payed ")

excel filter function

Example 4: Using NOT EQUAL TO as a FILTER condition in Excel


Now that you have a working knowledge of how to use the filter function in Excel, here is another example of filtering by a string of text, but this time we will use the “not equal” operator (<>) to demonstrate how to filter a range and return data that is NOT equal to the criteria you set.

Additionally, we will utilize a bigger data set in this example to show a more comprehensive usage of the FILTER function in the real world.

You may be surprised at how often a circumstance arises in which you need to filter data that is “not equal to” a certain number or piece of text.

In this example, we’ll use a report/spreadsheet to display data from sales calls that occur at your organization, and we’ll filter the data to exclude a certain sales person (Scott) from the result.

The assignment: Display sales call statistics for all sales representatives except ” Scott “.

The reasoning: Filter the range A2:C10 for values A2:A10 that DO NOT match the string “Scott “.

The following formula: In this example, the formula below is typed in the cell (E1).

=FILTER(A2:C10, A2:A10 <>"Scott")

excel filter function

Take note that the filtered data on the right side of the figure above does not include any of Scott ‘s rows/calls.

 Example 5: How to use the date filter in Excel


Filtering in Excel by a date may be accomplished in a few different methods, which I will demonstrate below. If you attempt to put a date into the FILTER function in the same way that you would typically type into a cell, the formula will fail to operate properly.

Therefore, you may either enter the date you want to filter into a cell and then reference that cell in your formula… Alternatively,  you may use the DATE function.

When filtering by date, the same operators (>, =, etc…) are available as they are in other FILTER function applications. Each individual day/date in Excel is merely a number that has been formatted differently. In Excel, for example, the date “01/30/2022” is just the serial number “44591” formatted as a date. Each time you add a day to the calendar, this number increases by one… For example, “44591” “44592” “44593”

Thus, if one date is farther in the future, it might be regarded “greater than” another. In contrast, if one date is farther in the past, it might be considered to be “less than” another.

In this example, we’ll use a cell reference to filter on a date. This is identical to the example discussed in Example 2, except that we are dealing with dates instead of percentages.

Consider the following scenario: we want to filter a list of students, their exam results, and the dates on which the tests were administered… and we wish to display only tests conducted before to June (05/01/2022).

=FILTER(A2:C10, C2:C10 <G1)

excel filter function

Example 6: Filtering by date in Excel


In this example of date filtering in Excel, we’ll use the same data as in the previous one and attempt to obtain the same results… however, instead of referencing a cell, we’ll utilize the DATE function, which allows you to put the date straight into the FILTER function.

When using the DATE function to provide a date, you must first input the year, followed by the month and finally the day… each denoted with a comma (shown below).

The assignment: Display only exams given before to May

The reasoning: Filter the range A2:C10 so that C2:C10 is less than or equal to the date (05/01/2022).

The following formula: In this example, the formula below is typed in the cell (D3).

=FILTER(A2:C10,C2:C10<DATE(2022,5,1))

excel filter function

Example 7: Filtering based on two Conditions


When utilizing the Excel FILTER function, you may want to produce data that fits many criteria. I’ll demonstrate two methods for filtering by several criteria in Excel, depending on the scenario and the desired behavior of the calculation.

The conventional method of adding another condition to your filter function (as shown by the Excel formula syntax) allows you to provide a second condition, where both the first AND second conditions must be fulfilled in order for the filter output to be returned.

However, I will demonstrate how to make a little tweak to the function so that you may choose to return/display in the filter function’s output/destination a second condition where EITHER condition might be satisfied. (To utilize AND logic, separate the conditions with an asterisk, or use a plus symbol to separate the criteria.)

In this example, we’re going to filter a collection of data and show those rows that satisfy BOTH the first and second conditions.

To utilize a second condition in this manner (using AND logic), just insert it after the first condition in the formula, separated by an asterisk (*). Each condition must be included in a separate pair of parentheses.

When a filter formula is used with several conditions, the columns referenced in each condition must be distinct.

In this case, we’d want to filter a list of clients based on their payment status and region… and to display those customers who are both current members AND paid on their payment status.

The objective is to provide a list of customers who are paid on payments, but only those who are in East region.

The reasoning: Filter the range A2:C6 such that B2:B6 equals the text “Paid,” AND C2:C6 equals the text “East“.

The following formula: In this example, the formula below is typed in the blue cell (E1).

=FILTER(A2:C6,( B2:B6="Paid")*( C2:C6 ="East"))

excel filter function

Example 8: Filtering Based on Two Conditions using OR Logic


In this example, we’re going to filter a collection of data and show those rows that satisfy either the first OR the second criterion.

To utilize a second condition in this manner (using OR logic), just insert it after the first condition in the formula, separated by a plus sign. Each condition must be included in a separate pair of parentheses (shown below).

When used in this manner, the FILTER formula allows you to choose criteria from the same or separate columns.

In this case, we’re filtering the same customer data as in the previous example, but this time we’re displaying a list of customers who either are in East region OR have paid on a payment. This will generate a list of clients to whom a payment notification have paid… whether they are current members or east region who have paid on their last payment.

The objective is to provide a list of customers who are in East region, as well as customers who have paid on payments regardless of whether they are in East region.

The following formula: In this example, the formula below is typed in the cell (E1).

=FILTER(A2:C6, (B2:B6="Paid ")+(C2:C6=" East ")

excel filter function

Example 9: Filter Data in Excel from Another Sheet


You may often encounter instances in Excel when you need to filter data from another sheet, where your raw unfiltered data is on one tab and your filter formula is on another sheet.

This may be accomplished by simply referring to a certain sheet’s name when providing the filter’s ranges. Thus, while you would typically give a range such as “A1:B4,” when referring another sheet when filtering, you indicate the sheet name by preceding the range with the sheet name and an exclamation mark, as in “SheetName!A1:B4“.

However, if the sheet name contains a space, an apostrophe must be used before and after the sheet name, as in "Sheet Name!" A1:B4.

The following is an example of how to filter data in Excel from a separate sheet, where the filter formula is located on a different sheet than the source range.

Consider the following scenario: On one sheet, you have a list of customers and their payment status, and you wish to present a filtered list of  paid customer on another sheet.

The job is to filter the list of customers on the Sheet3 and to display a separate list of customer names with a pay status on another worksheet.

The reasoning: Filter the range using the Sheet3 command! A2:C6, where ‘ Sheet3′ is the range! B2:B6 corresponds to the phrase “Paid“.

The following formula: In this example, the formula below is typed in the cell (A3).

=FILTER(Sheet3! A2:C6, Sheet3!B2:B6="Paid")

excel filter function

Example 10: Providing Maximum Number of Rows of Filtered Data


If your FILTER formula provides a large number of rows but your worksheet is restricted in space and you are unable to erase the data below, you may limit the amount of rows returned by the FILTER function.

Let us demonstrate how it works using a simple formula that filter data that grade is less than 0.7 from filter value in Cell F1:

=FILTER(A2:C10, B2:B10<F1)

excel filter function

The preceding formula produces all records that it discovers, in this instance five rows. However, imagine you only have room for two. To output just the first two rows discovered, follow these steps:

Step1: Incorporate the FILTER formula into the INDEX function’s array parameter

Step2: Use a vertical array constant such as 1;2 as the row num input to INDEX. It specifies the number of rows to return (2 in our case).

Step3: Use a horizontal array constant such as 1,2 for the column num parameter. It defines the columns that should be returned (the first 2 columns in this example).

Step4: To account for any mistakes caused by the absence of data meeting your criteria, you may wrap your calculation in the IFERROR function.

The entire excel filter formula is as follows:

=IFERROR(INDEX(FILTER(A2:C10, B2:B10<F1), {1;2},{1,2}), "No Found")

excel filter function

Conclusion


This section discusses the FILTER function and its many uses. In general, when it comes to time management, we need this feature for a variety of reasons. I demonstrated various techniques with accompanying examples, however there might be countless further iterations based on a variety of circumstances. If you know of another way to use this function, please share it with us.


  • Excel IFERROR function
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Filtering is a common everyday action for most Excel users. Whether using AutoFilter or a Table, it is a convenient way to view a subset of data quickly. Until the FILTER function in Excel was released, there was no easy way to achieve this with formulas. When Microsoft announced the changes to Excel’s calculation engine, they also introduced a host of new functions. One of those new functions is FILTER, which returns all the cells from a range that meet specific criteria.

At the time of writing, the FILTER function is only available in Excel 365, Excel 2021 and Excel Online. It will not be available in Excel 2019 or earlier versions.

Download the example file: Click the link below to download the example file used for this post:

Watch the video:

Watch the video on YouTube

Arguments of the FILTER function

Before we look at the arguments required for the FILTER function, let’s look at a basic example to appreciate what it does.

FILTER Function Basic Usage

Here the FILTER function returns all the values in cells B3-B10 where the number of characters is greater than 15. Not a scenario that many of us will need, but it perfectly demonstrates the power of the new FILTER function.

FILTER has three arguments:

=FILTER(array, include, [if_empty])
  • array: The range of cells, or array of values to filter.
  • include: An array of TRUE/FALSE results, where only the TRUE values are retained in the filter.
  • [if_empty]: The value to display if no rows are returned.

Examples of using the FILTER function

The following examples illustrate how to use the FILTER function.

Example 1 – FILTER returns an array of rows and columns

In this example, cell F3 contains a single formula, but this formula returns an array of values into the neighboring rows and columns.

FILTER Function retuns array of rows and columns

The formula in cell F3 is:

=FILTER(B3:D10,C3:C10>100)

This single formula is returning 2 rows and 3 columns of data where the values in C3-C10 are higher than 100.

Example 2 – #CALC! error caused by the FILTER function

The screenshot below displays what happens when the result of the FILTER function has zero results; we get the #CALC! error.

FILTER #CALC! Error

The formula in cell F3 is:

=FILTER(B3:D10,C3:C10>200)

As no rows meet the criteria of Invoice Value being higher than 200, the FILTER cannot return a value, so the #CALC! error is displayed.

Thankfully, Microsoft has given us the if_empty argument, which displays a message if there are no rows returned.

FILTER Function with if_empty argument

The formula in cell F3 is:

=FILTER(B3:D10,C3:C10>200,"No Results")

In the screenshot above, No Results displays instead of the #CALC! error.

If we wanted to display a result in each column, we could include a constant array within the if_empty argument. The following shows n/a in the Invoice Value and Days Due columns.

=FILTER(B3:D10,C3:C10>200,{"No Results","n/a","n/a"})

This formula would result in the following:

nction no results, multiple if_empty values

Example 3 – FILTER expands automatically when linked to a table

This example shows how the FILTER function responds when linked to an Excel table.

FILTER expands automatically with table

The FILTER is set to show items where Invoice Value is higher than 100. New records added to the Table which meet the criteria are automatically added to the spill range of the function. Amazing stuff!

Example 4 – Using FILTER with multiple criteria.

Example 4 shows how to apply FILTER with multiple criteria.

FILTER with multiple AND conditions

The formula in cell F3 is:

=FILTER(B3:D10,(C3:C10>50)*(D3:D10>30))

For anybody who has used the SUMPRODUCT function, this method of applying multiple conditions will be familiar. Multiplication creates AND logic (i.e., all the criteria must be TRUE). The example above shows where the Invoice Value is greater than 50 and the Days Due is greater than 30.

Addition creates OR logic (i.e., any individual condition can be TRUE).

FILTER with multiple OR conditions

The formula in cell G3 is:

=FILTER(B3:D10,(C3:C10>50)+(D3:D10>30))

The example above shows where the Invoice Value is greater than 50 or the Days Due is greater than 30.

Example 5 – Using FILTER for dependent dynamic drop-down lists

Drop-down lists are a data validation technique. Dependent drop-down lists are an advanced technique where the lists change depending on the result of another cell. For example, if the first drop-down list displays country names, the second drop-down list should only display cities that exist in that country. In Excel 2019 and before there are only tedious methods to achieve this effect, but the new FILTER function makes this super easy.

FILTER - Dependent drop-down lists

The formula in cell H3 is:

=UNIQUE(B3:B10)

The UNIQUE function creates a unique list to populate the drop-down in cell F4.

The formula in cell I3 is:

=FILTER(C3:C10,B3:B10=F4)

Depending on the value in cell F4, the values returned by the FILTER function change. The second drop-down in cell F6 changes dynamically based on the value in Cell F4.

Example 6 – Using FILTER with other functions

In this final example, FILTER is nested inside the SORT function.

FILTER and SORT together

The formula in cell F3 is:

=SORT(FILTER(B3:D10,D3:D10<=30))

First, the FILTER function returns the cells based on the Days Due being less than or equal to 30. The SORT function then puts the Customers into ascending alphabetical order.

Example 7 – Using FILTER to show matching items from a list

How can we match a list of items that could have an unknown size? We can’t keep updating our FILTER function by adding and removing criteria. And, if we had a lot of items to match, it would soon become unmanageable. So, let’s see how we can solve this.

In the example below, the formula in cell H3 returns only the customers listed in F3:F4.

FILTER Example 7 - Matching based on a list

The formula in cell H3 is:

=FILTER(B3:D10,COUNTIFS(F3:F4,B3:B10),"No results")

The COUNTIFS function returns a positive number if the item exists in both the data and the list, or zero if it exists in only one. Since positive numbers are always TRUE and zeros are always FALSE, this provides the TRUE/FALSE logic required for the FILTER function to return only the matching items.

NOTE: If the list starting in F3 were generated by another array formula, or by Power Query this solution would be completely dynamic (that is outside the scope of the current post, so we have used static ranges for this example).

Example 8 – Simulating wildcard search with FILTER

The FILTER function does not allow wildcard characters in the criteria. However, by using a combination of SEARCH and ISNUMBER we can simulate a similar effect.

In the example below, the formula in cell H3 returns only the items where the customer name contains the letters in cell F3.

Example 8 - FILTER with wildcards

The formula in cell H3 is:

=FILTER(B3:D10,ISNUMBER(SEARCH(F3,B3:B10)),"No results")

SEARCH returns a number if the search term in cell F3 is found in each value in B3-B10.

ISNUMBER returns TRUE or FALSE for each value depending on if SEARCH returns a number. This TRUE/FALSE value provides the logic needed by FILTER to return the matching items.

In this scenario only, Milkshake Junction and Sunset Satay contain un as a substring, therefore only these customers are returned.

Want to learn more?

There is a lot to learn about dynamic arrays and the new functions. Check out my other posts here to learn more:

  • Introduction to dynamic arrays – learn how the excel calculation engine has changed.
  • UNIQUE – to list the unique values in a range
  • SORT – to sort the values in a range
  • SORTBY – to sort values based on the order of other values
  • FILTER – to return only the values which meet specific criteria
  • SEQUENCE – to return a sequence of numbers
  • RANDARRAY – to return an array of random numbers
  • Using dynamic arrays with other Excel features – learn to use dynamic arrays with charts, PivotTables, pictures etc.
  • Advanced dynamic array formula techniques – learn the advanced techniques for managing dynamic arrays

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About the author

Hey, I’m Mark, and I run Excel Off The Grid.

My parents tell me that at the age of 7 I declared I was going to become a qualified accountant. I was either psychic or had no imagination, as that is exactly what happened. However, it wasn’t until I was 35 that my journey really began.

In 2015, I started a new job, for which I was regularly working after 10pm. As a result, I rarely saw my children during the week. So, I started searching for the secrets to automating Excel. I discovered that by building a small number of simple tools, I could combine them together in different ways to automate nearly all my regular tasks. This meant I could work less hours (and I got pay raises!). Today, I teach these techniques to other professionals in our training program so they too can spend less time at work (and more time with their children and doing the things they love).


Do you need help adapting this post to your needs?

I’m guessing the examples in this post don’t exactly match your situation. We all use Excel differently, so it’s impossible to write a post that will meet everybody’s needs. By taking the time to understand the techniques and principles in this post (and elsewhere on this site), you should be able to adapt it to your needs.

But, if you’re still struggling you should:

  1. Read other blogs, or watch YouTube videos on the same topic. You will benefit much more by discovering your own solutions.
  2. Ask the ‘Excel Ninja’ in your office. It’s amazing what things other people know.
  3. Ask a question in a forum like Mr Excel, or the Microsoft Answers Community. Remember, the people on these forums are generally giving their time for free. So take care to craft your question, make sure it’s clear and concise.  List all the things you’ve tried, and provide screenshots, code segments and example workbooks.
  4. Use Excel Rescue, who are my consultancy partner. They help by providing solutions to smaller Excel problems.

What next?
Don’t go yet, there is plenty more to learn on Excel Off The Grid.  Check out the latest posts:

The Excel Filter Feature is a great tool that proves to be a lifesaver at the time when you are working with huge data in Excel. In this blog, we would unlock this filter feature in Excel. We would learn how to filter huge data in excel. We would also get into answering the following common questions – how to filter values, or numbers, or dates and time in Excel, how to use filter using wildcard characters in excel, how to filter using the search box, how to filter by text or cell color.

Sample Data – Download Sample File

In this blog, we would be using the below data. Kindly download and practice along with using the Download button.

Table of Contents

  1. Sample Data – Download Sample File
  2. What is the Purpose of Filter Feature in Excel?
  3. Adding Filter Option on Header Rows
  4. Simple Ways to Filter Your Data Set in Excel
    1. Applying Filter on Single Column
    2. Applying Filter on Multiple Columns
  5. Filter Data Using Filter Search Box in Excel
  6. Clearing Filter on Columns in Excel
  7. How to Filter Values or Text in Excel?
    1. Filter Values based on Two Criteria
  8. How to Filter Numbers in Excel?
  9. How to Filter Dates in Excel?
  10. How to Filter By Color in Excel?
    1. Quick Way to Filter By A Specific Cell’s Value, Font Color, Cell Color or Icon
  11. A Solution To – AutoFilter Does Not Work After Changing Data
  12. Copy and Paste only Filtered Data in Excel
    1. Copy and Paste Filtered Data Including Header Row
    2. Copy and Paste Filtered Data Excluding Header Row
  13. Removing Filter From Headers in Excel
Sample Data - Filter Feature in Excel

What is the Purpose of Filter Feature in Excel?

The Filter Feature (also known as AutoFilter) is a powerful tool provided by Excel that narrows down the excel data or data in excel tables to show only those data that you want to see by temporarily hiding all other data. In our sample data, for example, we can use this feature to condense the data such that it only shows the programs taken up by the ‘Female‘ applicants.

In a similar way, you can filter by dates, or values or by any other such criteria.

The filters are always added to the headers of the data set. Therefore, it is important that your excel data must contain a header row, with logical headings. In our example, row 3 is the header row with headings describing the column data.

Header Row in Data Set

Once your dataset has proper headers, you are now good to insert the AutoFilter on these headers. To add AutoFilter on the header row, click on any of the cells inside the excel data set (like C7) and use any of the below-mentioned ways:

  • Go to ‘Home‘ tab > ‘Editing‘ Group > ‘Sort & Filter‘ Option > ‘Filter‘ button.
Filter Option under Home Tab
  • Go to ‘Data‘ tab > ‘Sort & Filter‘ group > ‘Filter‘ Button.
Filter Option under Data Tab
  • Keyboard Shortcut Method : Ctrl + Shift + L

As soon as you use any of the above methods, the excel would automatically detect the header row inside the table or data set and insert filter buttons on each of the header cells. These are the downward-facing arrows, like the way shown below:

Filter on Header Row

Simple Ways to Filter Your Data Set in Excel

Once the filter option added to the headers, you are good to start filtering your data set.

With this feature, you can filter your data by a single column or by multiple columns.

Applying Filter on Single Column

To apply the filter on a single column, simply click on the filter button (downward-facing arrow) of the respective column. (Let us firstly apply the filter on the column ‘Program Name’). As a result, you would notice that all the checkboxes are checked by default.

Filter Drop Down Initial View

Uncheck the checkbox that says ‘Select All‘. This would remove the check boxes from all the values.

Now, start ticking the values that you wish to view and click on ‘OK’, like the way demonstrated in the below image.

Filter by One Column Demonstration

Consequently, the excel would view or show only the selected values in the column, rest all are hidden. Don’t worry excel has not deleted them, they are still there in the backend.

Applying Filter on Multiple Columns

In a similar way, you can apply the filter on other columns in the Excel Data Table. There is no limitation on how many columns to which you can apply the filter.

Let us now apply another filter on the column having header – ‘Gender‘.

Filter by Multiple Columns

As a result, the excel would now only display the data set rows for selected ‘Program’ and for ‘Female’ candidates. All others are temporarily hidden (not removed).

Filter Multiple Columns Result

Some Useful Points and Tips

Once a filter is applied on the header row-

  • The Downward-facing arrow on the filtered column changes its icon which denotes that there is a filter applied to this column.
  • When you take your mouse cursor over the filter button, it shows the filter values.
Hovering Mouse Cursor on Filter Button
  • To increase or decrease the width of the filter window, take your mouse cursor on the bottom-right corner of the filter window. Once the mouse cursor changes to a two-side facing arrow, click and drag right (to increase) or left (to decrease). See the below demonstration for more clarity.
Increase Decrease Width of Filter Window

Filter Data Using Filter Search Box in Excel

In the earlier section, we learned about how to filter your data set by selecting the checkboxes in the Filter window. There is yet another way to filter out a specific text or value or numbers or dates/time in Excel which is by using the ‘Filter’ search box. The Filter search box is placed just above the list of values in the Filter window.

To filter your data set using the ‘Filter’ search box, simply click on the ‘Filter’ drop-down icon on the header and type the search value in the search box. As a result, the excel would narrow down the list to show only the specified values. Finally, click on the ‘OK’ button to apply the filter.

To illustrate with an example, let us filter out the ‘Program’ column with the Bachelor’s degree.

Filter Using Search Box

Not sure about the exact text to search, then use wildcard characters in the search box for a non-exact filter search in Excel. If you are unaware of what are wildcard characters in Excel and its usage, then please click here.

Clearing Filter on Columns in Excel

When you want to clear filter from selected or all the header columns in Excel, you can use any of the below-mentioned ways:

  • Click on the ‘Filter‘ icon on the header of the column header, and click on the option that says – Clear Filter from <Column Header Name>
Clear Filter from Column Header
  • Another way is to click on the ‘Filter‘ icon of the header, and check the checkbox – ‘Select All‘.
Clear Filter from Column Header #2

When you clear the filter from the column ‘Gender’, the data set would now only have a filter on the column header ‘Program’. It has only cleared filter from the row ‘Gender’ and has not touched any other filters.

To clear multiple filter from all the headers cells, use any of the following way:

  • Click on any of the cells in the dataset and navigate to the path – Data tab > Sort & Filter Group and there click on the option that says – Clear.
Clear Filter From All Headers #1
  • Or you can even use this – Home Tab > Editing Group. Click the option Sort & Filter > Clear.
Clear Filter From All Headers #2

It is important to note that the above method only clears the filter from the header cell. It does not remove the filter icon from the header row. To learn how to remove the filter in Excel, wait until the end of this blog.

How to Filter Values or Text in Excel?

When you are working with text filters, there are many other text filter options available in addition to what we learned above. Below is the list of the same.

  • You can filter the values or text which exactly Equals or which Does Not Equal to some text.
  • Additionally, you can even filter for a non-exact match by using the Contains and Does Not Contain a text
  • Or, you can even filter the values or text that starts or Begins With or Ends With a particular text.

These advanced filter options are available under the ‘Text Filter’ section of the Filter Window as shown in the image below:

Text Filter Options #1

Let us understand this with the help of a small example: Let us, for example, get the program that contains the word ‘Business’ in it. To achieve it,

Click on the ‘Filter‘ icon on the column header – ‘Program’, and take your mouse cursor to the option – Text Filters.

In the list of options that come up, select the option that says – ‘Contains‘. As a result, the ‘Custom AutoFilter‘ dialog box would appear on your screen. In the input box besides the word ‘Contains’, write the text that you want to filter (in our case ‘Business’) and press OK.

Custom AutoFilter dialog box #1

As soon as you press OK, excel would show all the values or text that contains the word ‘Business’ and will hide all other data rows.

Note that, just like Filter search box, this ‘Custom AutoFilter’ dialog box also accepts wildcard character search.

Filter Values based on Two Criteria

The Custom AutoFilter dialog box also allows us to filter out the data rows based on two criteria. Use the And and Or operator radio buttons based on how you wish to filter.

For example: Let us filter out all the programs for Commerce and Science. In this case, as we want both the values, we shall use Or operator, like this-

Custom AutoFilter - Two Criteria Filtering

This would filter out those values which either contain the word ‘Commerceor contain the word ‘Science‘.

How to Filter Numbers in Excel?

Similar to the text filter learned above, there are many additional filter options available carry Number Filters in Excel. Below is the list of the same:

  • You can filter the exact number or amount by using Equals and Does Not Equal option under the ‘Number Filter’.
  • Similarly, the Number Filter – Greater Than and Less Than allows us to get all values that are more or less than a specific value.
  • Greater Than or Equal To and Less Than or Equal To works in a similar way.
  • Between Number Filter allows you to filter out the values lies between two values (lower and upper values both inclusive)
  • Other options are – Top 10, Above Average, Below Average
Number Filter Option #1

The filter option Top 10 does not exactly only mean Top 10 values. You can change it to any other value like Top 15, or Top 27 Values, and even Bottom 5 values and so on.

Top 10 AutoFilter Dialog Box

Filter Feature in Excel

How to Filter Dates in Excel?

Unlike the Text and Number Filter, the Dates Filters option allows us with more advanced filtering options. The below image in itself is self-explanatory.

Date Filter #1

In a nutshell, below options are available for filtering dates in Excel –

  • You can filter the dates which fall in the current month/week/quarter/year and even for previous and upcoming (i.e. next) month/week/quarter/year.
  • Additionally, you can filter out by an exact date, or date that falls before or after a particular date, or between two dates.
  • Excel provides with an option to filter all the dates in a particular month or quarter (regardless of the year in which it falls)
  • You can create a custom date filter using the ‘Custom AutoFilter’ dialog box to which you are already aware of using.

Important to notice – Excel by default groups all the dates by year, months, and then the days. You can expand or collapse the groups (year, months, and days) to filter the dates and check/uncheck it to filter accordingly.

Date Filter #2

In the above image, you can see that all the dates are grouped by years first (2020 and 2019). Within the years there are months and then the days in the month. If you clear the checkbox for 2020, then the excel would only show the dates that lie in 2019.

How to Filter By Color in Excel?

When the data set contains any text with color or any cell with a background color, you can use the ‘Filter by Color‘ option in the ‘Filter’ Window to filter the dataset by a specific text or cell background color.

Let me explain this with a small example. I am changing the background color of different cells to yellow, orange, and green. Also, I have the font color in a few of the cells as ‘Red’.

To filter the values based on color, simply click on the ‘Filter’ drop-down arrow button on the header cell and take your mouse cursor over the option that says – ‘Filter by Color’.

As a result, you would see that excel lists all the cell and font color. You can choose the color that you want to filter with.

Filter by Color

Let us, for example, filter the programs by Red font color. The result of the filter would be as below.

Filter By Font Color - Illustration

Quick Way to Filter By A Specific Cell’s Value, Font Color, Cell Color or Icon

Instead of using the ‘Filter’ drop-down icon to filter, you can even filter the dataset based on a specific cell’s value, icon, or font and cell color. To do so, follow the undermentioned steps:

  • Right-click on the cell that contains the color by which you want to filter. Let us, in this case, filter by yellow color. Therefore, I have right-clicked on C4 (as it has a yellow cell color).
  • Take your mouse cursor to the option that says – ‘Filter‘, and click on the option – ‘Filter by Selected Cell’s Color‘.

As a result, excel would filter the dataset based on the cell color – Yellow, as demonstrated in the below image:

Filter By Selected Cell's Color - Illustration

A Solution To AutoFilter Does Not Work After Changing Data

When you make any changes in the filtered data, you would notice that excel does not refresh the filter automatically. Yes, that is absolutely true. You need to reapply the filter in order to refresh the data and apply the filter on the changed data. There are a couple of ways to do the same, as listed below:

  • Using Filter Window – After making changes in the filtered data, simply click on the ‘Filter’ drop-down arrow on the header cell and click ‘OK’ in there. However, there is are exceptions to this method. This would not work when you apply ‘filter by color’ or ‘Number Filter/Text Filter/Date Filter’. This technique only applies when you use the search box to filter out the data.
Reapply Filter #1
  • Using Reapply Option – After making changes in the filtered data, simply navigate to the Data tab > Sort & Filter Group > Reapply Option. The keyboard shortcut key for the same is Ctrl + Alt + L.
Reapply Filter #2

This option is also available in the Home Tab > Editing Group > Sort & Filter Option > Reapply.

Reapply Filter #3

Copy and Paste only Filtered Data in Excel

There are two possibilities to copy and paste only filtered data in Excel.

Copy and Paste Filtered Data Including Header Row

Simply, click on any of the cell in the filtered area, and press Ctrl + A to select the entire excel table or data set. As a result, you would notice that excel selects the entire table including both data rows as well as the header row. Now, press Ctrl + C to copy the selection and use Ctrl + V at the destination location to paste the filtered data cells.

Copy and Paste Filtered Data Excluding Header Row

To copy and paste only filtered data (without header row), select the top-left cell of the data (which in our case it is C4). Press keyboard keys Ctrl + Shift + Down_Arrow and then press Ctrl + Shift + Right_Arrow (instead you can even use Ctrl + Shift + End). Any of these ways would select the entire data set (excluding headers). Now, use Ctrl + C to copy the selection and then Ctrl + V to paste the filtered data set at the destination cell.

Usually, when you copy the filtered dataset using the above methods, excel does not include the hidden rows in the copy area. The hidden rows are excluded and it only takes the visible rows while copying. However, sometimes when your data is huge, it may not work in expected behavior. In those cases, to play safe, you can use the GoTo (F5) > Special > Visible Cells Only feature to select only the visible rows. The keyboard shortcut for the same is Alt + ; (semi-colon).

Finally, let us now learn how to remove filters from the excel header row. There are multiple ways using which you can remove filters, as listed below-

  • The easiest way is to use the keyboard shortcut – Ctrl + Shift + L.
  • Another way is to use ribbon path – Data Tab > Sort & Filter Group > Filter option OR Home Tab > Editing Group > Sort & Filter Option > Filter Option.

RELATED POSTS

  • How to Make A Table In Excel – A Hidden Functionality

  • How to Sort a Table or Data in Excel

  • Text and Number Filter in Pivot Table in Excel

  • Group and Ungroup Rows in Excel

  • FILTER Function in Excel – Dynamic Filtered Range

  • Applications – FILTER Function in Excel

A lesson that teaches how to use the Microsoft Excel FILTER function- by SpreadsheetClass.com

The FILTER function in Excel is a very useful and frequently used function, that you will likely find the need for in many situations. Note that the FILTER function is only available in Microsoft Office 365, and Microsoft Office Online.

To filter by using the FILTER function in Excel, follow these steps:

  1. Type =FILTER( to begin your filter formula
  2. Type the address for the range of cells that contains the data that you want to filter, such as B1:C50
  3. Type a comma, and then type the condition for the filter, such as C3:C50>3 (To set a condition, first type the address of the «criteria column» such as B1:B, then type an operator symbol such as greater than (>), and then type the criteria, such as the number 3.
  4. Type a closing parenthesis and then press enter on the keyboard. Your entire formula will look like this: =FILTER(B1:C50,C1:C50>3)

In this article I will start with the basics of using the FILTER function (examples included), and then also show you some more involved ways of using the FILTER function. This article focuses specifically on the FILTER function that is typed into the spreadsheet cells as a formula, and not the filter command available from the toolbar and pop-up menus.

Using the FILTER function in Excel is almost the same as using it in Google Sheets, but there are slight differences between the two. Click here to read the Google Sheets version of this article

Here are the Excel Filters formulas:

Filter by a number

  • =FILTER(A3:B12, B3:B12>0.7)

Filter by a cell value

  • =FILTER(A3:B12, B3:B12<F1)

Filter by a text string

  • =FILTER(A3:B12, B3:B12=»Late»)

Filter where NOT equal to

  • =FILTER(A3:E1000, B3:B1000<>»Bob»)

Filter by date

  • =FILTER(A3:C12,C3:C12<G1)   (Date entered in cell G1)
  • =FILTER(A3:C12,C3:C12<DATE(2019,6,1))

Filter by multiple conditions

  • =FILTER(A3:C12,(B3:B12=»Late»)*(C3:C12=»Active»))   (AND logic)
  • =FILTER(A3:C12, (B3:B12=»Late»)+(C3:C12=»Active»))   (OR logic)

Filter from another sheet

  • =FILTER(‘Sheet Name’!A3:B12,’Sheet Name’!B3:B12=»Full Time»)

=FILTER(A3:B12, B3:B12=F1)

(Copy/Paste the formula above into your sheet and modify as needed)

A diagram and detailed formula breakdown for the Microsoft Excel FILTER function

The FILTER function in Excel allows you to filter a range of data by a specified condition, so that a new set of data will be displayed which only shows the rows/columns from the original data set that meets the criteria/condition set in the formula.

Excel description for FILTER function:

Syntax:
=FILTER(array,include,[if_empty])

Formula summary: “The FILTER function filters an array based on a Boolean (True/False) array.”

array (Required): The array, or range to filter

include (Required): A Boolean array whose height or width is the same as the array

[if_empty] (Optional): The value to return if all values in the included array are empty (filter returns nothing)

The source range that you want to filter, can be a single column or multiple columns.

The range that is used to check against the criteria that you set, must be a single column (later I will show you how to filter by multiple conditions, but don’t worry about that for now).

The criteria that set in the condition can be manually typed into the formula as a number or text, or it can also be a cell reference.

*Note that the source range and the single column range for the condition, must be the same size (must contain the same number of rows), or the cell will display an error.

Filtering by a single condition in Excel

First let’s go over using the FILTER function in Excel in its simplest form, with a single condition/criteria.

I will show you how to filter by a number, a cell value, a text string, a date… and I will also show you how to use varying «operators» (Less than, Equal to, etc…) in the filter condition.

Part 1: How to filter by a number

In this first example on how to use the filter function in Excel, the scenario is that we have a list of students and their grades, and that we want to make a filtered list of only students who have a perfect grade.

The task: Show a list of students and their scores, but only those that have a perfect grade

The logic: Filter the range A3:B12, where the column B3:B12 is greater than 0.7 (70%)

The formula: The formula below, is entered in the blue cell (D3), for this example

=FILTER(A3:B12, B3:B12>0.7)

An example of filtering by a number in Excel by using the FILTER function

Operators that can be used in the FILTER function:

In this example we are using the operator «=» (Equal To) for the filter condition/criteria, but you can also use any of the following:

«=» (Equals)
«>» (Greater than)
«<» (Less than)
«<>» (Not equal to)
«>=» (Greater than or equal to)
«<=» (Less than or equal to)

Part 2: How to filter by a cell value in Excel

In this example, we want to achieve the same goal as discussed above, but rather than typing the condition that we want to filter by directly into the formula, we are using a cell reference.

When you filter by a cell value in Excel, your sheet will be setup so that you can change the value in the cell at any time, which will automatically update the value that the filter criteria it attached to.

In this example, you will notice that instead of directly typing the number “0.9” into the formula itself, the filter criteria is set as cell G1, where the “0.9” value is entered.

The task: Show a list of students and their scores, but only those that have a score below 90%

The logic: Filter the range A3:B12, where B3:B12 is less than the value that is entered in the cell F1 (0.9)

The formula: The formula below, is entered in the blue cell (D3), for this example

=FILTER(A3:B12, B3:B12<F1)

An example of filtering based on a cell value in Excel by using the FILTER function

Part 3: How to filter by text in Excel

In this example, we are going to use a text string as the criteria for the filter formula. This is very similar to using a number, except that you must put the text that you want to filter by inside of quotation marks.

In this scenario we are filtering a list that shows customers and their payment status, and we want to display only customers that have a payment status of “Late”.

The task: Show a list of customers who are past due on their payments

The logic: Filter the range A3:B12, where B3:B12 equals the text, “Late”

The formula: The formula below, is entered in the blue cell (D3), for this example

=FILTER(A3:B12, B3:B12=»Late»)

Example of filtering by text string in Excel, by using the FILTER function

Part 4: Using NOT EQUAL TO in the Excel FILTER function

Now that you have got a basic understanding of how to use the filter function in Excel, here is another example of filtering by a string of text, but in this example we will use the «not equal» operator (<>), so that you can learn how to filter a range and output data that is NOT equal to criteria that you specify.

In this example we will also use a larger data set to demonstrate a more extensive application of the FILTER function in the real world.

You may be surprised at how often a situation comes up when you need to filter data where it is “not equal to” a certain number or piece of text that you specify.

In this example let’s say that we have a report/spreadsheet that shows data from sales calls that occur at your company, and we want to filter the data so that a specified sales rep (Bob) is NOT included in the filter output.

The task: Show sales call data for all sales reps, except Bob

The logic: Filter the range A2:E1000, where B2:B1000 DOES NOT equal the text, “Bob”

The formula: The formula below, is entered in the blue cell (G3), for this example

=FILTER(A3:E1000, B3:B1000<>»Bob»)

An example of filtering where not equal to in Excel, by using the FILTER function

Notice that the filtered data on the right side of the image above does not contain any of the rows/calls that Bob was involved in.

Part 4: How to filter by date in Excel

Filtering by a date in Excel can be done in a couple of ways, which I will show you below. If you try to type a date into the FILTER function like you normally would type into a cell… the formula will not work correctly.

So you can either type the date that you want to filter by into a cell, and then use that cell as a reference in your formula… or you can use the DATE function.

When filtering by date you can use the same operators (>, <, =, etc…) as in other FILTER function applications. In Excel each different day/date is simply a number that is put into a special visual format. For example, in Excel, the date «06/01/2019» is simply the number «43,617», but displayed in date format. When you add one day to the date, this number increments by one each time… i.e «43,618»   «43,619»   «43,620»

So, one date can be considered to be «greater than» another date, if it is further in the future. Conversely, one date can be said to be «less than» another date, if it is further in the past.

In this first example we will filter by a date by using a cell reference. This is similar to the example we went over in part 2, but in this example instead of working with percentages, we are dealing with dates.

Let’s say that we want to filter a list of students, their test scores, and the dates that the tests were completed… and we want to show only tests that were taken before June (06/01/2019).

Filter by date in Excel example 1:

The task: Show only tests that were taken before June

The logic: Filter the range A3:C12, where C3:C12 is less than the date that is entered in cell G1 (06/01/2019)

The formula: The formula below, is entered in the blue cell (E3), for this example

=FILTER(A3:C12,C3:C12<G1)

An example of filtering by a date in Excel by using a cell reference with the FILTER function- Basic example

Filter by date in Excel example 2:

In this second example on filtering by date in Excel we are using the same data as above, and trying to achieve the same results… but instead of using a cell reference, we will use the DATE function so that you can type enter the date directly into the FILTER function.

When using the DATE function to designate a certain date, you must first enter the year, then the month, and then the day… each separated by commas (shown below).

The task: Show only tests that were taken before June

The logic: Filter the range A3:C12, where C3:C12 is less than the date of (06/01/2019)

The formula: The formula below, is entered in the blue cell (E3), for this example

=FILTER(A3:C12,C3:C12<DATE(2019,6,1))

An example of filtering by date in Excel by using the DATE function with the FILTER function- Basic example (Lesson by SpreadsheetClass.com)

Filter by multiple conditions in Excel

When using the Excel FILTER function you may want to output a set of data that meets more than just one criteria. I will show you two ways to filter by multiple conditions in Excel, depending on the situation that you are in, and depending on how you want to formula to operate.

The normal way of adding another condition to your filter function, (as shown by the formula syntax in Excel), will allow you to set a second condition, where the first AND second condition must be met to be returned in filter output.

However I will also show you how to make a slight modification to the function so that you can choose to set a second condition where EITHER condition can be met to return/display in the filter function’s output/destination. (Separate the conditions with an asterisk to use AND logic, or separate the conditions with a plus sign to use AND logic.)

Part 5: Filtering by 2 conditions where BOTH MUST BE TRUE

In this example, we are going to filter a set of data, and only display rows where BOTH the first condition AND the second condition are met/true.

To use a second condition in this way (with AND logic), simply enter the second condition into the formula after the first condition, separated by an asterisk (*). Each condition must be inside of its own set of parenthesis (shown below).

When using the filter formula with multiple conditions like this, the columns that are referenced in each condition must be different.

In this scenario we want to filter a list that shows customers, their payment status, and their membership status… and to show only customers who have an active membership AND who are also late on their payment.

This will make sure that customers with an inactive membership who are still designated as being late on payment in the system… are not shown in the filter results, and not put on the list for being sent a «late payment» notice.

The task: Show a list of customers who are late on their payments, but only those with active memberships

The logic: Filter the range A3:C12, where B3:B12 equals the text “Late”, AND where C3:C12 equals the text “Active”

The formula: The formula below, is entered in the blue cell (E3), for this example

=FILTER(A3:C12,(B3:B12=»Late»)*(C3:C12=»Active»))

Example of filtering by multiple conditions in Excel by using the FILTER function- Basic example (AND Logic)

Part 6: Filtering by 2 conditions where EITHER ARE TRUE, not necessarily both

In this example we are going to filter a set of data and only display rows where EITHER the first condition OR the second condition are met/true.

To use a second condition in this way (with OR logic), simply enter the second condition into the formula after the first condition, separated by a plus sign. Each condition must be inside of its own set of parenthesis (shown below).

When using the FILTER formula in this way, you can choose criteria from the same or different columns.

In this scenario we want to filter the same customer data as shown in the previous example, but this time we want to show a list of customers who EITHER have an active membership OR who are late on their payment. This will give a list of customers who can be sent a notice for payment… including active members, or/also inactive members who are late on their final payment.

The task: Show a list of customers who are active members, and include customers who are late on payment even if they are not active members

The logic: Filter the range A3:C12, where B3:B12 equals the text “Late”, OR where C3:C12 equals the text “Active”

The formula: The formula below, is entered in the blue cell (E3), for this example

=FILTER(A3:C12, (B3:B12=»Late»)+(C3:C12=»Active»))

An example of filtering by multiple conditions in Excel by using the FILTER function- Basic example (OR Logic)

How to filter from another sheet in Excel

You may often find situations where you need to filter from another sheet in Excel, where your raw unfiltered data is on one tab, and your filter formula / filter output is on another tab.

This can be done by simply referring to a certain tab name when specifying the ranges in the filter. So where you would normally set a range like «A3:B», when referencing another sheet while filtering you specify the tab name by adding the tab name and an exclamation mark before the column/row portion of the range, like «TabName!A3:B»

However when the tab name has a space in it, it is necessary to use an apostrophe before and after the tab name, like ‘Tab Name’!A3:B.

Here is an example of how to filter data from another tab in Excel, where your filter formula will be on a different tab than the source range.

Let’s say that you have a list of employees and their schedule type (Full Time / Part Time) on one tab, and that you want to display a filtered list of full time employees on another tab.

The task: Filter the list of employees on the tab labeled «Filter List», and show a list of employees who have a full time schedule, on a separate tab

The logic: Filter the range ‘Filter List’!A3:B12, where the range ‘Filter List’!B3:B12 is equal to the text «Full Time»

The formula: The formula below, is entered in the blue cell (A3), for this example

=FILTER(‘Filter List’!A3:B12,’Filter List’!B3:B12=»Full Time»)

Here is a list of employees and their schedules, which is held on a tab labeled «Filter List»

An example of filtering from another sheet in Excel- Raw data list tab

And here is a filtered list of employees who have full time schedules, where the filter formula and output data are held on a separate tab.

Example of filtering from another sheet in Excel by using the FILTER function- Filter formula tab

Pop Quiz: Test your knowledge

Answer the questions below about the Excel FILTER function, to refine your knowledge! Scroll to the very bottom to find the answers to the quiz.

Question #1

Which of the following formulas uses a «cell reference» in the filter condition?

  1. =FILTER(A1:D15, B1:B15<0.6)
  2. =FILTER(A2:C15, C2:C15=F1)
  3. =FILTER(A1:P25, G1:G25=»Yes»)

Question #2

Which of the following formulas uses the «Not Equal» operator?

  1. =FILTER(C1:T50, J1:J50>100)
  2. =FILTER(A1:B75, B1:B75=»No»)
  3. =FILTER(S1:Z100, T1:T100<>»True»)

Question #3

True or False: If the column(s) in the source range and the column in the filter condition are not the same size (if one has more rows than the other), the formula will not work, and will display an error.

  1. True
  2. False

Question #4

Which of the following formulas uses AND logic, where BOTH conditions must be met to satisfy the filter criteria?

  1. =FILTER(C1:F20, (F1:F20=»Yes»)+(E1:E20=»Active»))
  2. =FILTER(C1:F35, (F1:F35=»Yes»)*(E1:E35=»Active»))

Question #5

Which of the following formulas uses OR logic, where EITHER condition can be met to satisfy the filter criteria?

  1. =FILTER(A1:K10, (K1:K10=»Yes»)*(J1:J10=»Active»))
  2. =FILTER(A3:K33, (K3:K33=»Yes»)+(J3:J33=»Active»))

Answers to the questions above:

Question 1:   2

Question 2:   3

Question 3:   1

Question 4:   2

Question 5:   2

So you have thousands of rows of data in an Excel sheet, and you want to scan through the rows to find a pattern in the columns of the data.

You know you need an Excel filter to help you with that, but you don’t know how to go about it. Here, we’ll discuss all the best ways to filter your Excel sheet and show the data you need.

How to Filter in Excel

Assume you have an Excel sheet with three columns: age group, region, and the number of sales. In that case, an Excel filter can come in handy when you want to see your sales performance in a selected region, based on a particular age group.

Excel filters can also be useful when you want to create a smaller group before plotting your Excel data on a chart.

Let’s take a look at the following methods for filtering data in Excel.

How to Filter Based on Categories

Once you open your datasheet, on the Excel ribbon, click Data.

Next, locate the Sort & Filter group and click Filter. This puts a drop-down button on each column of your datasheet.

Click on filter to put a drop-down on each column

For instance, if your data has a gender column, which is a categorical variable, you can decide to filter your data to see only the female entries.

To do that, click the dropdown button on your categorical column of choice (gender in this case). In the menu that appears, untick everything by clicking the Select All box. Then select the values you want to filter your data by and click OK.

Select the value you want to filter

That operation filters the data based on the female listings, or whatever your categorical data of choice was. You can then check the lower-left corner of the Excel file to see the number of records on that particular filter.

While this option works for numbers as well, it’s usually inefficient and daunting. That’s because numbers can have a wider range of values. As such, ticking through the long list takes time.

How to Use Number Filters in Excel

Sometimes you might want to filter based on a particular range of numbers.

To use the number filter, click on Filter in the ribbon. Then click the dropdown button at the top of the column that contains the numbers you want to filter.

In the next menu, go to Number Filters and select your preferred choice from the options that pop up.

For instance, if you want to filter the column based on all numbers that are less than or equal to a certain number, from the Number Filters options, select Less than.

Go to number filter and select an option

You can also use the And/Or section to add a second filter for your numbers.

Click OK when you’re done.

Setting less than or equal to in number filter

Lots of number-based filter options are available. You can play around with them to see how they work.

How to Use Advanced Filters in Excel

Excel’s advanced filter method offers a more flexible way of filtering data. With the advanced filter, you can separate your filtered result from the source data by pasting within the same sheet or in a new Excel sheet.

To use the advanced filter, create a new column on the right edge of your sheet. This new column is where you set your filtering criteria. You can leave a space between this criteria column and the last column of your source data to separate them if you want.

In the criteria column, type the exact name of the source data column you want to filter; a better alternative is to copy and paste the column heading to avoid mistakes.

In the next row, type the value you want to filter your data by for that column. For instance, if you want to see the data for all males in the gender column of the source data, type «male» beneath «gender» in your criteria section.

You can create multiple criteria columns to filter by if you like. To do that, copy the column names you want from the main data and paste them after your first criteria column.

Below each column heading, type in the data value you want to filter for.

Set the criteria columns that you want to filter

You can use Excel Boolean functions like less than (<) or greater than (>) as criteria for filtering numbers.

Once you’ve followed the process above, select Data in the Excel ribbon. Within the Sort & Filter group, click Advanced.

In the menu that opens, click the up arrow next to the List range field and choose which portion of your data you want to filter. Or ignore the List range field if you want to apply the filter to all your data.

Click on advanced to bring up the advanced filter option box

Next, place your cursor within the Criteria range field and highlight the criteria columns you created earlier: headings and values.

Place your cursor within the criteria range and highlight the entire criteria data

Click OK to apply the filter.

How to Paste the Filtered Results With the Advanced Filter Method

As we mentioned earlier, you can also use the advanced filter to separate your result and paste it somewhere else in the same sheet or in a new Excel sheet.

To do that, repeat the process above for filtering data with the advanced method. However, this time, in the Advanced Filter menu, select Copy to another location.

Tick copy to another location

Next, place your cursor within the Copy to field and select any cell within your Excel sheet, then click OK.

Place your cursor in the copy to field and select a cell within your excel sheet

This operation copies the filtered result and pastes it at the selected location in your Excel sheet.

How to View the Filtered Result With Selected Columns in Excel

If you only want to view selected columns in the filtered data, highlight those column headings and copy them.

Highlight and copy the choice columns

Next, paste the headings anywhere within the same sheet, where you want to see your filtered result.

Paste the copied columns anywhere within the same sheet

Repeat the process above for separating filtered results with the advanced filter method. But this time, once you get to the Copy to field, highlight the headings you pasted.

Highlight to columns you pasted to set the copy to field

Then click OK to view the filtered result beneath these headings.

Filtered result copied against the selected columns

How to Use Advanced Filters to Paste the Filtered Result Into a New Excel Sheet

If you want to paste the resulting data into a new sheet, click on the Add (+) button at the lower-left corner of the Excel sheet to open a new sheet.

Click on any cell within the new sheet to activate it.

Select Data from the ribbon, then click on Advanced to make the Advanced Filter menu pop up. Select the Copy to another location option.

Select the advanced filter on the new sheet

Place your cursor in the List range field and jump into the sheet that contains the source data. Then highlight the entire source data.

Next, place your cursor in the Criteria range field, highlight the criteria you created earlier in the source data sheet.

Highlight the entire criteria data for the criteria range field

Select the Copy to field. Then select any cell on the new sheet again. Click OK to paste the filtered result to the new sheet.

Note: For this to work, ensure you activate the target sheet by clicking a cell within it first.

Get the Most Out of Excel Filters

While there are other options for filtering data, Excel is one of the most versatile productivity tools around. Although Excel filters can get a bit confusing, it’s easy once you master these tricks.

We’ve discussed the most common ways to filter data in Excel here, but there are even more advanced options available to if you play around with the advanced filter. When it comes to analyzing your filtered data, you might need the use of an Excel formula as well.

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