What's the best way to filter data?

Question

There are multiple ways to filter data based on your needs. This can be done with formulas, filter dropdowns, or an advanced filter.

Answer 1

There’s so many YouTube’s and other search engines that can give you solid tutorials. So I will share my approach instead of a tutorial.

It’s crucial to understand what you are looking for before you begin to filter.

There will be times where the requestor doesn’t know what they are looking for and will have you filtering data for days, usually this happens from shifting priorities. And if you are this person, filtering for days - I highlight suggest you step away from the computer and get a notepad/pencil or whiteboard/dry erase marker and get very clear on what you need to see. If there is no clarity to why you would filter, you may lose track on data that may be of importance due to your filter.

I suggest using filters to see a subset of information, then create a formula that tags it in a new column (ie: conc or nested ifs). You can also achieve this through pivot tables and custom tables within minutes.

Answer 2

Adding filters in Excel is a common task used for data analysis and organization. There are multiple ways to add filters, but let's focus on three of the most common methods, including the easiest one:

1. **Using the AutoFilter Button:**

- The easiest way to add filters in Excel is to use the AutoFilter button located in the toolbar or ribbon (depending on your Excel version). Here's how:

- Select the range of data you want to filter.

- Click on the "Filter" or "Sort & Filter" button (icon usually looks like a funnel or filter).

- Drop-down arrows will appear in the header row of each column in your selected range.

- Click on a drop-down arrow in a column header to filter the data based on that column's values.

2. **Using the Data Tab:**

- Another way to add filters is through the "Data" tab:

- Select the range of data.

- Go to the "Data" tab in the Excel ribbon.

- Click on the "Filter" button.

3. **Using Keyboard Shortcuts:**

- If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, you can quickly add filters by selecting the range and pressing `Ctrl + Shift + L` (Windows) or `Command + Shift + L` (Mac).

The easiest method depends on your personal preference and familiarity with Excel. For most users, the AutoFilter button is the simplest way to get started with filtering data. It provides an intuitive interface for filtering data quickly and efficiently.

Remember that once you've applied filters, you can customize them to sort and filter data based on various criteria, making Excel a powerful tool for data analysis and manipulation.