How to Use the Google Sheets Filter

When you have a lot of data to sort through in Google Sheets, it’s helpful to use the filter function. Filters allow you to hide specific sets of data so you can more clearly see what the rest of the data looks like. Filters are customizable, so it’s possible to choose filter types that are designed for your particular data set. Plus, once you’re done, the data is all returnable to the original datasheet.

Google Sheets are useful because they provide a well-structured format for storing large amounts of data. The filter tool makes this data easier to work with since you can hide data that might not be relevant to your current task. 

Use this tutorial to learn how to apply filters in Google Sheets to create customized data sets and explore ways to address common issues.

How to use the Google Sheets filter

Here’s a quick summary of the steps you’ll need to take to use the Google Sheets filter tool:

• Select the data you want to filter.

• Choose which filter option you want to use.

• Remove the filter.

Let’s go over these steps in more detail.

1. Select the data you want to filter.

First, you’ll need to choose which set of data you’d like to filter. Google Sheets allows you to select a particular set of columns or the entire data set. 

For this example, let’s filter the first column of this sheet, which is A1 to A19. If you’d like to select the entire data set, you can click on the blank square to the top left of the sheet. This will highlight the entire sheet.

2. Choose the filter option you want to use.

Click on Data > Create a filter. Click on the filter dropdown arrow at the top of the column. You can filter for different categories: 

• Conditions: Choose a set condition or write your own. 

• Values: Uncheck the box next to the data point you want to hide.

• Search: Type what you’re looking for into the search box.

• Colors: Choose which text or fill color you want to filter by. 

For this example, let’s say you want to see every movie which uses the word “the” in the title. You would select Filter by condition > text contains > the.

Once you select OK, the results will appear.

3. Remove filters.

Once finished, select Data > Remove filter.

Related tasks

The slicer tool is similar to the filter tool except it acts as an embedded toolbar that you and others can use to filter cells. Click on Data > Add a slicer. Then, follow the same steps as you did to create a filter.

Common Google Sheets filter issues

An issue you might run into with Google Sheets filters is affecting the way other collaborators view the spreadsheet. One solution is, when creating a filter, go to Data > Create filter view, then proceed. You can also save your filter for future use by clicking Save view when you're done.

Learn more with Coursera

Want to learn more about using Google Sheets successfully in your own work? Explore the Google’s Data Analytics Professional Certificate on Coursera. With this Professional Certificate, you can sharpen your Google Sheets skills and learn more about data analytics fundamentals.