How to Filter in Google Sheets
Filter in Google Sheets to review rows by status, owner, date, category, amount, or text without changing the underlying spreadsheet.
Filtering in Google Sheets lets you temporarily show only the rows that match a condition. It is useful for reviewing overdue tasks, one owner's work, a spending category, a sales stage, or records above a certain amount.
Filters help reviewers focus without deleting or moving the source data.
Turn on a basic filter
Step 1. Select the header row or the full data range.
Step 2. Choose Data -> Create a filter.
Step 3. Use the filter icon in a column header.
Step 4. Choose values, conditions, or text rules.
For example, a project tracker can filter Status to Blocked, while an expense tracker can filter Category to Travel.
Filter by condition
Google Sheets supports conditions such as text contains, date is before, greater than, blank, not blank, and custom formulas.
That makes filters useful for weekly review:
- Due date is before today
- Amount is greater than 500
- Owner is not blank
- Status is not Done
These filters are especially useful in sales pipelines, content calendars, employee schedules, and budget review sheets.
Use filter views for shared sheets
In a shared spreadsheet, a normal filter changes what everyone sees. If several people need different views, use Data -> Filter views -> Create new filter view.
Filter views let each reviewer keep a personal view without disrupting the team.
TIP
Common filter mistakes
| Mistake | What happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Filtering only part of the table | Rows appear mismatched | Select the full data range |
| Missing headers | Filter controls are confusing | Add one clear header row |
| Blank rows in the table | Filter range may stop early | Remove blank separator rows |
| Using normal filters in shared review | Other users lose their view | Use filter views |
The Griddy way
Filters are simple, but deciding which views matter can be harder than clicking the menu.
"Create filter views for blocked tasks, overdue items, unassigned rows, and this week's review items"
Griddy can create useful review views from the sheet's actual columns and keep the source table intact.
Skip the manual work
Describe it. Griddy does it.
Instead of writing this formula yourself, just tell Griddy what you need in plain English. Works in Excel and Google Sheets.
Use this on real templates
Filter the templates your team reviews every week
Filters turn large operating sheets into focused review views by owner, status, category, date, stage, or amount.
Project Tracker
Track tasks, owners, priorities, due dates, and blockers in one delivery board. Group work by stream, review progress, and keep next steps visible.
Open templateFinanceExpense Tracker
Log every expense, track receipts, and generate category summaries. Free template for personal or business use.
Open templateSalesSales Pipeline
Track deals by stage, owner, value, and next move in one lightweight pipeline sheet. Keep close dates, weighted forecast, and rep follow-ups visible without needing a full CRM.
Open templateMarketingContent Calendar
Plan topics, channels, owners, publish dates, and content status in one editorial board. Track weekly campaigns and keep your publishing mix visible.
Open template