Excel Filters: AutoFilter Basics

Create an Excel Table

1. Set up the Excel Table

In Excel 2007, and later versions, you should create an Excel Table from your data, and use its built in filtering features. If you are using an Excel Table, you can skip to the next section, Filter One Column.

Note: For Excel 2003 AutoFilter instructions, please go to Excel 2003 AutoFilter Basics

If your data is not in an Excel Table, follow these steps to prepare your list for an AutoFilter.

1. Add headings: In the row directly above the data, enter a heading for each column. In the example shown here, the data starts in row 2 of the worksheet, and the headings are in row 1.
2. No blank rows or columns: You can leave blank cells in a row or column but make sure that there are no completely blank rows or columns within the database.
3. Separate: The ideal setup is to store your database on a worksheet where there is no other data. If that's not possible, keep the database separated from other data on the worksheet, with at least one blank row at the end of the database, and a blank column at the right. If the database doesn't start in cell A1, ensure that there is a blank row above, and a blank column to the left.

2. Turn on Filtering

In Excel 2007 and later, if you're using an Excel Table, it has built-in filtering features. If your data is not in an Excel Table, follow these steps to add an AutoFilter.

1. Select a cell in the database.
2. On the Excel Ribbon, click the Data tab, and then click Filter.

A dropdown arrow appears at the right side of each column heading.