Open deals view
Filter view on Pipeline where Stage is not Closed and Owner is the rep sharing the link with their manager.
How do filters work in Google Sheets?
Filtering hides rows that do not match criteria without deleting data. The filter toolbar on a header row is the fastest UI path. FILTER and QUERY formulas build dynamic views that update when source data changes, which suits dashboards and reporting tabs.
When to use it
Use filters when you explore a dataset, share a slice with a colleague, or feed charts only active rows such as open tickets or this-quarter deals.
When to skip it
Skip filters as a security boundary. Hidden rows still export and formulas may still see them. Use separate tabs, access control, or IMPORTRANGE with restricted source files for sensitive cuts.
How it works
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1
Select a header row and choose Data > Create a filter to enable column dropdowns.
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2
Pick values, conditions, or custom formulas from each column menu to narrow visible rows.
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3
Save a filter view to name a configuration and share a link that opens that view.
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4
For formula filters, =FILTER(A2:E, C2:C="Open") returns only matching rows as a spill range.
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5
Combine criteria with multiplication for AND or addition for OR inside FILTER boolean arrays.
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6
Clear filters before bulk edits so you do not change hidden rows by accident.
Examples in Google Sheets
Dynamic chart source
FILTER tab outputs rows where Region is West; the chart references only that shrinking range.
Quality check slice
Filter Email column with custom formula =NOT(REGEXMATCH(A1, "@")) to spot rows missing valid addresses.
Build this without starting from a blank cell
Use a Better Sheets tool for filters in Google Sheets, then watch a walkthrough when you want the full pattern.
Better Sheets resources
Common mistakes
- Editing data while filtered and missing rows that still affect totals on other tabs.
- Assuming viewers see your filter; they may see the full sheet unless you share a filter view link.
- Using FILTER with mismatched range heights, causing
- Stacking manual filter and formula filter on the same range without documenting which is active.
- Filtering before IMPORTRANGE finishes loading and thinking rows vanished permanently.
Frequently asked questions
- Filter vs filter view?
- Standard filter affects your session. Filter views are named, shareable snapshots of criteria.
- FILTER vs QUERY?
- FILTER is simpler for one-range row tests. QUERY adds SQL-like select, group, and order in one string.
- Can two people use different filters?
- Yes with filter views. Each person opens their named view without fighting the same dropdown.
- Do filters affect formulas?
- Formulas on other tabs still read all data unless you point them at a FILTER range.
- Filter by color?
- Filter menu supports fill color when conditional formatting marks rows you need to review.
- Hide filtered rows in export?
- Copy visible cells only to a clean tab before CSV download if you need an export of the slice.
- FILTER multiple conditions?
- Multiply boolean conditions for AND, add for OR, inside the FILTER include argument.
- Filter locked sheet?
- Editors can filter unless protection blocks it. Viewers cannot create filters without edit access.
Related Tutorials
Watch how filters in Google Sheets works
Search Every Function in Google Sheets
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Related blog posts
Guides that explain filters in Google Sheets in more depth.
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