Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: Using AutoFiltering.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated July 18, 2023)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365
Filtering a list means displaying only a part of it. You provide the criteria you want used and then Excel displays only those list records that match the criteria. Filtering is especially useful if you have a large list and you want to work with only a subset of the records in the list.
The easiest way to filter your list is to use the AutoFilter feature. You do this by following these steps:
AutoFilter is now alive and well in your workbook. If you click on one of these pull-down arrows, Excel displays the unique values in that column (field). You can then select one of the values and Excel displays only those records that match that value for that field. (The pull-down arrow then turns blue.) All the rest of the records in the list will be hidden.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (6612) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Using AutoFiltering.
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2023-07-17 10:13:08
J. Woolley
@Alex
That shortcut works best if you click within one of the columns you want to AutoFilter, not anywhere in the worksheet.
2023-07-17 06:13:17
Alex
The AutoFilter toggle on/off is a very useful Excel shortcut:
Click anywhere in the worksheet; Hold down Ctrl and Shift; Press 'L'.
2023-07-16 10:00:28
J. Woolley
The Tip says, "(The pull-down arrow then turns blue.)" In my Excel 365 it does not turn blue; it changes to a filter funnel graphic instead (like Y).
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Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here:
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