How to Repeat Group Labels for Filtering in Google Sheets

Are you struggling with filtering rows in your Google Sheets table because the group labels are not repeated? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In this article, I’ll show you how to use a simple workaround to repeat group labels for filtering in Sheets.

The Problem with Non-Repeated Group Labels

Group labels are essential in organizing data and performing calculations based on groups. However, if these labels are not repeated or filled, it can cause issues when filtering the data. Let me illustrate this problem with an example.

Imagine you have a table where column A contains the group labels and column B contains the subgroup labels. In this example, both the group and subgroup labels are not repeated throughout the table.

Now, if you try to filter all the rows for a specific group, let’s say “Product 1”, you’ll notice that all the rows except row #2 are filtered out. Frustrating, right?

The Solution – Repeat Group Labels with a Helper Column

Manually copying and pasting the group labels for each row is not an easy task. So, here’s a simple solution: we’ll use a helper column to automatically repeat the group labels.

Steps to Repeat Group Labels/Headers in Google Sheets

1. In cell E1, enter the following array formula to fill the group item names:

=ArrayFormula({"Helper"&column(A1);if(row($A$2:$A)<=MATCH(2,1/($C:$C<>""),1),lookup(row($A$2:$A),row($A$2:$A)/if(A2:A<>"",TRUE,FALSE),A2:A),)})

This formula duplicates the group labels in column A, as shown in the image below. Copy this formula in cell F1 to duplicate the subgroup labels in column B as well.

Filtering Groups and Subgroups in Sheets

Now that we have repeated the group labels, let’s see how it helps with filtering. Instead of selecting only columns A, B, and C for filtering, select columns A, B, C, D, E, and F.

By using the filter in columns E and F instead of A and B, you can correctly filter a table that contains unfilled group labels. In the example below, I have filtered “Product 1” and its subgroup “Gr. II”, allowing me to see the quantity for this product and subgroup in column C.

Modifying the Formula for Different Column Ranges

If your group labels for filtering are in a different column, you can easily modify the formula to suit your needs. Here’s how:

1. Look at the formula in cell F1. It contains references to specific columns that need to be adjusted.

2. Update the reference row($A$2:$A) to match the range of your group labels.

3. Adjust the reference MATCH(2,1/($C:$C<>"") to find the last used row in your data. This formula ensures that the duplicated group labels only extend up to the last value in your data.

4. Modify the references B2:B and column(B1) to match the column containing the group labels and the helper column header, respectively.

By making these modifications, you can easily repeat group labels for filtering in Google Sheets, regardless of the column range.

In conclusion, repeating group labels for filtering in Google Sheets is a simple yet effective workaround to ensure accurate data filtering. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily organize your data and perform calculations based on groups. For more tips and tricks on Google Sheets, make sure to visit Crawlan.com.

Now that you know this little secret, go ahead and supercharge your Sheets skills! Happy filtering!