Have you ever struggled with properly using a cell reference in the filter menu, filter by condition, or custom formula field in Google Sheets? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In this article, I’m going to share with you some valuable tips that will make it easier for you to utilize cell references in the filter menu, giving you more control over your data. So let’s dive right in!
Introduction
Google Sheets offers a dedicated function called FILTER to help you organize and analyze your data. But did you know that there’s another function called QUERY that can do similar things? Despite its versatility, many users still prefer the good old filter menu command. Why? Well, one reason is that formulas based on functions create a new filtered range, which may not always be desirable. Additionally, the filter menu allows users to create different filters for the same dataset, something that can’t be achieved with a single formula.
Proper Use of Cell Reference in Filter Menu Custom Formula Field
Now, let’s get to the point. Using cell references in formulas within the filter menu in Google Sheets may seem straightforward, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure proper usage. Let’s explore this further.
When you work with formulas in Google Sheets, you can use cell references to refer to specific cells or ranges. However, the way you use cell references in formulas within cells differs slightly from how you use them in menu commands like the filter menu.
In this article, we’ll focus on the filter menu and how to properly use a cell reference in it. But before we do that, let’s quickly cover how to insert a custom formula in the filter menu.
How to Insert a Custom Formula in the Filter Menu in Google Sheets
To insert a custom formula in the filter menu, follow these simple steps:
- Select the range you want to filter.
- Go to the Data menu and click on “Create a filter”.
Now, let’s move on to the main topic.
Cell Reference in Formulas in Filter Menu Filter by Condition in Google Sheets
You can use a cell reference in a filter menu formula to refer to either the data in a column or a cell that contains a condition or criterion. Let’s explore these two scenarios.
Cell Reference to Data in a Column
Let’s say you want to filter a specific name, let’s say “Jesse”, using a custom formula. Instead of referring to the entire range, you can simply use the following formula:
=B2="Jesse"
Just insert this formula in the blank field below the “Custom formula is” option, and click “OK”. This way, you can filter the desired name without referring to the entire range.
Cell Reference to Criterion in a Cell
The previous formula has one drawback – every time you want to filter with a new condition, you need to edit the formula to change the criterion. To overcome this, you can insert the criterion (e.g., “Jesse”) in a separate cell and reference it in your formula. Here’s how:
- Assume you have entered the name “Jesse” in cell E1.
- Use the following formula in the filter menu’s “Custom formula is” field:
=B2=$E$1
Make sure to use an absolute cell reference (indicated by the dollar sign) to refer to the criterion cell (E1), while keeping the cell reference to the data (B2) relative (without the dollar sign).
By using cell references in this way, you can easily change the criterion in the referenced cell without having to edit the formula each time.
Conclusion
Using cell references in the filter menu, filter by condition, and custom formula field in Google Sheets can greatly enhance your data analysis capabilities. By following the tips provided in this article, you’ll be able to use cell references effectively and efficiently. So go ahead and give it a try!
For more helpful tips and tutorials on advanced filtering using the filter menu in Google Sheets, be sure to visit Crawlan.com. Stay tuned for more exciting content that will help you become a Google Sheets pro!
