Formula guide · Excel and Google Sheets · Updated May 13, 2026
FILTER Formula Examples
Use FILTER to return only the rows or columns that match your conditions.
Quick Answer
FILTER returns matching rows and spills the result into nearby cells.
Copyable Formula
=FILTER(A2:D20,C2:C20="Paid")Syntax
=FILTER(range, condition1, [condition2], ...)Excel and Google Sheets
Worked Example
| A | C | D |
|---|---|---|
| Client | Status | Amount |
| Acme | Paid | 300 |
| North Co | Open | 180 |
| Blue Lab | Paid | 420 |
Result: Returns full rows where Status is Paid.
Steps
- Select the output range you want returned.
- Add one or more conditions with matching height or width.
- Leave enough empty cells for the spilled result.
Common Mistakes
- Blocking the spill range with existing values.
- Using a condition range that does not match the filtered range.
- Forgetting to wrap FILTER with IFERROR when no rows match.
Excel vs Google Sheets Notes
The core idea works in both Excel and Google Sheets, but separators, function availability, and array behavior can vary by account, locale, and version.
Editorial check: This guide was last updated May 13, 2026. Formula behavior can vary by Excel version, Google Sheets rollout, and spreadsheet locale.