Using Auto Filter

I have frequently used the Auto Filter feature with my spreadsheets.
Recently I clicked the down arrow to set the criteria I wanted to use for the
filter, but the data (a name) was not on the list for me to select. Any
ideas why, or what I should try?

There have been messages here in the past in which a limit on the # of items
in the drop down has been discussed. I seem to recall that the # of unique
items that can be presented is capped at 1,000. If what I recall is correct,
it seems likely you are trying to find something that is dropped out due to
the limitation.

"Stealy Dan 1" wrote:

> I have frequently used the Auto Filter feature with my spreadsheets.
> Recently I clicked the down arrow to set the criteria I wanted to use for the
> filter, but the data (a name) was not on the list for me to select. Any
> ideas why, or what I should try?

I've had this problem as well.

Duke is right. 1000 unique values.

An AutoFilter dropdown list will only show 1000 entries. If your column
has more than 1000 unique items, they can be filtered, but they can't
all be displayed in the dropdown list.


To AutoFilter for an item that doesn't appear in the dropdown list, you
can choose Custom from the dropdown list, and type the criteria. Also,
there are a couple of workarounds here:


http://www.contextures.com/xlautofilter02.html#Limits


Stealy Dan 1 wrote:
> I have frequently used the Auto Filter feature with my spreadsheets.
> Recently I clicked the down arrow to set the criteria I wanted to use for the
> filter, but the data (a name) was not on the list for me to select. Any
> ideas why, or what I should try?


--
Debra Dalgleish
Excel FAQ, Tips & Book List
http://www.contextures.com/tiptech.html