How to filter and sort data in Excel

Last updated: · By the DeskHowTo editorial team
Quick answer

Click inside your data and press Ctrl+Shift+L (or Data > Filter) to add dropdown arrows. Use a column arrow to filter; use Data > Sort for multi-level sorts.

Data > Clear removes filters. Sorting permanently reorders rows - filters only hide rows.

On this page

Works on ranges and Excel Tables. Prefer Tables (Ctrl+T) so filters expand with new rows.

Filter and sort step by step

Turn on AutoFilter

  1. Select a header cell in your list.
  2. Press Ctrl+Shift+L or choose Data > Filter.
  3. Click a column arrow, untick what you do not want, then OK.

Sort by one or more columns

  1. Click in the data > Data > Sort.
  2. Choose the primary column and order.
  3. Click Add Level for secondary sorts.
  4. Tick My data has headers if needed > OK.

Filter by color or condition

Column arrow > Filter by Color, or Number/Text Filters for contains / greater than.

Why sort looks wrong

  • You selected one column only - choose Expand when Excel warns you.
  • Numbers stored as text sort separately.
  • Merged cells break sorting - unmerge first.

Frequently asked questions

Do filters delete data?

No - they hide rows. Clear the filter to see everything.

Clear filters shortcut?

Data > Clear, or toggle Filter off and on.

Filter two columns?

Yes - set a filter on each; rows must match all active filters.

Sources checked: Microsoft Support. Verified October 2026.