Columns that contain long lists of data can be sorted with the Auto filter option. To use this option follow the steps below.

  • Select the top rows of the columns that you want to filter.
  • In the toolbar, click the Data tab.
  • Click the Filter option, then select Auto filter.

Once completed, you can use drop down arrows to filter the data automatically. In the example table below, following the above steps, you’d highlight the top row from “Name” to “Position”. After creating the filters, you’ll have down arrows next to each of the table headings. For example, if you were to click the down arrow next to Position, you could sort the table to only show programmer positions.

In Excel 2007 and later, the auto filter feature is enabled when clicking the Filter option in step 3.

  • How to sort a list in Microsoft Excel.
  • How to create a custom sort in Microsoft Excel.
  • See our sort definitions for further information and related links on these terms.