Fortunately, theres an option called Filter, which comes in handy for sorting spreadsheets.
However, there are instances when the option doesnt work correctly or appears grayed out.
So, lets begin.
Also, you oughta ungroup and unprotect sheets to address the grayed-out option in Filter.
Here are the ways to fix the Filter option in Microsoft Excel:
1.
Check for Errors
Error is the first thing you oughta check in the spreadsheet.
It can appear due to incorrect equations, invalid cell values, etc.
You mustcopy and paste the values without a formulato avoid errors.
Therefore, its ideal to go for the data manually to include your desired rows and columns.
Check the Column Heading
Multiple lines in a column heading confuse the Excel Filter.
So, using a single line as the column heading is better.
But sometimes, you may need to use multiple lines as the heading.
Theres an additional way to use multiple cells in a cell by using theWrap Textoption.
It will automatically create multiple lines within the cell by keeping the actual cell width.
If youveadded total rows in Excel, it will help to identify and sort the values quickly.
Unhide Rows & Columns
Excel allows the user to hide a row or column in a spreadsheet.
But Excel excludes the hidden data when you apply a filter to the sheet.
If youve hidden rows or columns, you must unhide them to get the proper result.
Unmerge Cells
Merged cells are a common reason behind the sort and filtering not working in Excel as intended.
When you merge the cells, the Filter cant collect data from their individual columns.
After unmerging the cells, apply theFilteroption and get results from every individual cell.
Ungroup Sheets
If your Filter option appears grayed out in Excel, you may have grouped the Excel sheets.
The Filter option doesnt work in grouped Excel sheets.
Hence, it’s crucial that you ungroup the sheet before using the Filter option in a particular sheet.
Unprotect Sheet
Microsoft Excel has the option to protect your spreadsheet from unauthorized editing.
it’s crucial that you provide a password to make it secure from others.
If you want to know the reason behind the Filter option problem, continue reading the passage below.
Why is the Filter Option Not Functioning in Microsoft Excel?
Additionally, it’s possible for you to get a grayed-out problem due to grouped and protected sheets.
To learn about the causes in detail, consider reading the following passage.
When the column heading has multiple lines, Filter gets confused and fails to give an accurate outcome.
Your Excel Filter isnt working because of multiple lines in a column heading cell.
Excel doesnt count the hidden rows and columns in the Filter option.
Merged column heading acts as a single column in the Filter option.
As a result, individual columns under the heading dont appear in the filter result.
If your sheet has merged column headings, you will receive information from only some cells and face problems.
The Filter option works for an individual sheet.
When you group the sheets, the Filter option becomes grayed and inaccessible.
You are facing problems because of making grouped sheets intentionally or mistakenly.
The protected sheets option secures the spreadsheet from unauthorized editing and making any filters to the data.
If youve enabled password protection, you wont be able to use the Filter option in Excel.
The above reasons will help you to detect and understand the problem quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fix the filter option in Microsoft Excel?
How do I filter data in Excel?
Why is the filter option grayed out in Excel?
Conclusion
The filter is beneficial for sorting out the data in an Excel spreadsheet.
But its pathetic and takes time when the Filter option doesnt work.
In this article, Ive provided reasons for the Filter option not working in Excel and their solutions.
If you find this article helpful, dont forget to share it in the comment box below.
