Filtering data in sheet Data pg 112 113

Filtering Data In Sheet DATA

To filter data means we perform an operation to see only certain rows which contain specific information we want by setting a criteria. In other words, filtering is used to get a listing of only the data we want to see.

There are a few filtering methods you can use:

Simple AutoFilter

We use this method by selecting the menu Data/Filter/AutoFilter. A small downward-pointing arrow-head will appear on the right side of every cell in the top-most row in the data area. When we see these small downward-pointing arrow-heads, the data is in filtering mode. When we click on an arrow-head for a column, a list containing unique items available under that column will appear. On selecting (clicking) one of the items listed, Excel will then show only rows which contain that same item and hide the other rows.

Double AutoFilter

The steps are similar to the above. In Simple AutoFilter, we click on the arrow-head of one column. If we then click at an arrow-head of another column without leaving the filtering mode and then select an item from the list that appears, we have performed another Simple AutoFilter. This further filters the rows that are already filtered by the first filtering. This means we have performed two Simple AutoFilter operations, one after another. This is called a Double AutoFilter. If need be, you may even perform a Triple AutoFilter.

Custom AutoFilter

Again, select the menu Data/Filter/AutoFilter so that a small downward-pointing arrow-head appears on the right side of every cell in the top-most row in the data area. When we click on the arrow-head of a column, a list containing unique items available under that column as well as the item Custom will appear. When we select (click) the item Custom, a dialog titled Custom Filter will appear. We then set a criterion in the dialog box. On clicking the OK button, Excel will show only rows which match the criterion and hide the other rows.

Advanced Filter

We use this method by selecting the menu Data/Filter/Advanced Filter. However before that, we must set a criterion for the selection of rows. The criterion is set via a rectangular range of cells (we call this the criteria range). We then select the data titles that we want to display at the topmost row of the criteria range. Next, we state the items that we want to see under the data titles. Now, when we select the menu Data/Filter/Advanced Filter, a dialog titled AdvanceFilter will appear. This dialog will require us to fill the address of the criteria range.

The following examples of the filtering methods will give a clearer picture of when and how to use each method.