Google Sheets offers a powerful tool called the FILTER function that allows us to sort and extract specific data from our sheets. With this function, we can easily filter rows based on specified criteria, such as retrieving values above a certain threshold, values higher than the average, or even extracting only even or odd numbers. In this guide, we will explore the FILTER function in detail and learn how to leverage its capabilities to enhance our data analysis.
Filtering Data with the FILTER Function
Let’s start by understanding how the FILTER function works. The FILTER function takes two arguments: the range of values we want to filter and the conditions we want to apply. The syntax is as follows:
=FILTER(range, condition1, [condition2, ...])The range argument refers to the complete range of values we want to filter, and the conditions are the criteria that determine which values should be returned. The function allows us to define multiple conditions to test, but it only requires a single condition.
To illustrate how the FILTER function works, let’s consider the example shown in the image above. Here are the conditions and their corresponding formulas:
-
Condition: Filter for values < 50
Formula:=FILTER(A3:A21, A3:A21 < 50) -
Condition: Filter for values > average
Formula:=FILTER(A3:A21, A3:A21 > AVERAGE(A3:A21)) -
Condition: Filter for even values
Formula:=FILTER(A3:A21, IS_EVEN(A3:A21)) -
Condition: Filter for odd values
Formula:=FILTER(A3:A21, IS_ODD(A3:A21))
The results of applying these conditions are displayed in the image below:
(Note: Not all values are shown in column A for brevity.)
Can I Test Multiple Conditions with the FILTER Function in Google Sheets?
Absolutely! The FILTER function in Google Sheets allows us to test multiple conditions simultaneously. For example, using the basic data from the previous example, we could display all values between 200 and 300 with the following formula:
=FILTER(A3:A21, A3:A21 >= 200, A3:A21 <= 300)Can I Filter Multiple Columns with the FILTER Function?
Yes, you can! To filter multiple columns, simply add them as additional criteria to test. In the image below, you can see an example with two columns of exam scores. The FILTER function used returns all the rows where the score is greater than 50 in both columns:
The formula for this example is as follows:
=FILTER(A3:B21, A3:A21 > 50, B3:B21 > 50)This demonstrates how to use the logical AND operator with the FILTER function: “Show me all the data where Criterion 1 AND Criterion 2 (AND Criterion 3…) are true.”
If you need to use the logical OR operator, check out this article on Advanced Filter Examples in Google Sheets.
Can I Reference a Criterion Cell with the FILTER Function in Google Sheets?
Instead of hard-coding a value in the criterion, you can simply reference another cell containing the test criterion. This way, you can easily modify the test criterion or use other parts of your spreadsheet analysis to drive the FILTER function.
For example, in the image below, the FILTER function looks at cell E1 for the test criterion, which is 70 in this case, and returns all values that exceed that score (i.e., values greater than 70).
The formula for this example is as follows:
=FILTER(A3:A21, A3:A21 > E1)
Can I Filter a Filter?
Absolutely! You can use the output of your first filter as the range argument for your second filter. For example:
=FILTER(FILTER(A3:B21, A3:A21 > 50), B3:B21 > 60)Conclusion
The FILTER function in Google Sheets is a powerful tool that allows us to extract specific data based on criteria we define. By understanding its syntax and capabilities, we can efficiently filter and sort our data, making our analysis more insightful and meaningful.
For more advanced examples and techniques on using the FILTER function in Google Sheets, check out Crawlan.com, a website dedicated to providing useful information on the usage of Google Sheets.
