Setting filters in Excel makes data sheets with many entries much clearer. This can be particularly useful when working from home.
Setting a filter in Excel: How to do it
A filter in Excel can be very useful, for example, to compare different entries in a table. Filtering data makes it easier to identify and analyze trends and patterns, especially when the filtered data is later presented in charts. To sort your data using a filter, it is best to do the following:
- First, you need to select any cell in your data range. Then click on “Data” and then click “Filter”.
- You will now see an arrow pointing downwards in the column heading. Click on this and then go to “Text Filter” or “Number Filter”. You can now choose which type of filter you want to apply.
- You have the option of selecting additional criteria for filtering in Excel. You can freely choose what you want to filter by. To do this, simply set or remove the check marks in front of the respective entry.
- Alternatively, you can sort the values in the respective column in ascending or descending order or by color. When you are finished, all you have to do is click “OK”.
- If you only want to filter the data from a table, you must select the corresponding column and then click on the small arrow again.
- Now you can select the checkboxes that you want to be displayed when filtering. Uncheck all other fields.
- If you now click on “OK”, the previous arrow will turn into a filter. You can change or delete the filter at any time by clicking on the symbol.
More tips for working with Excel:
- Excel: The most useful functions
- Excel: Create and print labels – it's that easy
- Excel: Create an annual calendar – here's how