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Learn Interactive Reports with FILTER | Dynamic Arrays and Interactive Reporting
Excel Formulas

Interactive Reports with FILTER

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Instead of filtering raw data manually, use FILTER to build a dynamic report that updates automatically based on user inputs.

FILTER Structure

=FILTER(array, include, [if_empty])
  • array: dataset being returned;
  • include: logical test controlling which rows are included;
  • [if_empty]: fallback value if no rows match.

Formula used in this chapter:

=FILTER(Sales_Data!A2:H52, Sales_Data!E2:E52=J2, "No results found")
  • Sales_Data!A2:H52: dataset being returned;
  • Sales_Data!E2:E52=J2: filtering condition;
  • "No results found": fallback output.

AND and OR Logic in FILTER

AND logic uses multiplication:

(Condition1) * (Condition2)

Both conditions must return TRUE.

OR logic uses addition:

(Condition1) + (Condition2)

At least one condition must return TRUE.

Step 1 Create Input Cells
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Inside Dynamic_Reports, add:

CellValue
J1Selected Region
J2North
Step 2 Build the First FILTER Report
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Inside K2, type:

=FILTER(Sales_Data!A2:H52, Sales_Data!E2:E52=J2, "No results found")

Press Enter. The report now displays only rows matching the selected region.

Step 3 Test the Report
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Change the value inside J2.

Examples:

South
East

Notice that the report updates automatically.

Step 4 Add a Second Input
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Add:

CellValue
J3Minimum Revenue
J43000
Step 5 Add an AND Condition
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Update the formula inside K2:

=FILTER(Sales_Data!A2:H52, (Sales_Data!E2:E52=J2)*(Sales_Data!H2:H52>J4), "No results found")
  • (Sales_Data!E2:E52=J2): region condition;
  • (Sales_Data!H2:H52>J4): revenue condition;
  • *: AND logic.
Step 6 Test Dynamic Filtering
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Change the minimum revenue value inside J4.

Example:

5000

Notice that the report updates automatically and displays fewer rows.

Step 7 Test OR Logic
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Replace the formula with:

=FILTER(Sales_Data!A2:H52, (Sales_Data!E2:E52=J2)+(Sales_Data!H2:H52>J4), "No results found")
  • +: OR logic;
  • Rows are returned if at least one condition is true.
Step 8 Test Fallback Behavior
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Enter a region that does not exist inside J2.

Confirm that Excel returns:

No results found

1. Why is FILTER preferred over Excel's built-in filter dropdowns for reporting?

2. What is the role of Sales_Data!E2:E52=J2?

3. What is the effect of replacing * with + in a FILTER condition?

question mark

Why is FILTER preferred over Excel's built-in filter dropdowns for reporting?

Select the correct answer

question mark

What is the role of Sales_Data!E2:E52=J2?

Select the correct answer

question mark

What is the effect of replacing * with + in a FILTER condition?

Select the correct answer

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Section 2. Chapter 2

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Section 2. Chapter 2
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