how to filter spreadsheet by multiple variables?

[Joe]

I know I can use autofilter to find certain criteria that exist in
rows within the same column. Is it possible to sort by mutiple
variables, like 2 or 10? Say I have a column with variables a-z. Is it
possible to filter all the rows with b,c, j, p and x?

 

[Max]

.. Say I have a column with variables a-z. Is it

possible to filter all the rows with b,c, j, p and x?

Use helper col to flag it, then autofilter on the helper
Eg if data in A2 down,
you could place this in B2:
= -- ISNUMBER(MATCH(A2,{"b";"c";"j";"p";"x"},0))
Copy B2 down to the last row of data in col A,
then just autofilter on the col B, selecting: 1

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[Joe]

Use helper col to flag it, then autofilter on the helper
Eg if data in A2 down,
you could place this in B2:
= -- ISNUMBER(MATCH(A2,{"b";"c";"j";"p";"x"},0))
Copy B2 down to the last row of data in col A,
then just autofilter on the col B, selecting: 1

Wow, that works great Max, and so simple - my favorite kind of
solution, thanks!

 

[Joe]

Use helper col to flag it, then autofilter on the helper
Eg if data in A2 down,
you could place this in B2:
= -- ISNUMBER(MATCH(A2,{"b";"c";"j";"p";"x"},0))
Copy B2 down to the last row of data in col A,
then just autofilter on the col B, selecting: 1

one other quick question, is there another way to copy the b2 equation
down the list other than dragging it? It's a very long spreadsheet,
thanks

 

[Max]

one other quick question, is there another way to copy the b2 equation

down the list other than dragging it? It's a very long spreadsheet,

2 ways
1. If there's no in-between blank cells in col A, just double click on the
fill handle
2. Type the range in the namebox*, eg, type: B2:B10000
Press ENTER, this selects the range with B2 active
Paste the formula into the formula bar,
then just press CTRL+ENTER
*the dropdown just to the left of the formula bar

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[Max]

welcome, Joe.