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FILTER
Returns rows that meet a condition and spills the result automatically.
Syntax
=FILTER(array, include, [if_empty])Step-by-step explanation
- 1Choose the source range you want to filter.
- 2Build a logical condition that returns TRUE or FALSE.
- 3Combine FILTER with SORT or UNIQUE for interactive reports.
Common mistakes
Using a condition that does not return booleans
Ignoring spill space below the formula
Forgetting the if_empty argument
Example table
A quick scenario to connect the syntax to the result.
| North | Open |
| South | Closed |
Formula
=FILTER(A1:B2,B1:B2="Open")
Result
North
Worked example
- 1Look at the rows that meet the condition or contain repeated values.
- 2Apply =FILTER(A1:B2,B1:B2="Open") so Excel spills only the requested rows or unique items.
- 3The displayed output should resolve to North.
Practice area
Return only the open items from the table.
Match against the syntax block above.