1-3 stage filtering for a data table of just data

[yachrishere]

Hi All.
Can anyone give me some direction on how to show sorted data using 1 to 3 filters, i.e. If I type a word in the first cell - this will populate the next column with a list of all matches where this word appears anywhere in the text string.
Next thing is to narrow the search again. i.e. if I type a word in another cell it will filter from the populated list to matches where this word appears anywhere in the text string, then clear column and show only the result of the two filters/searches.
And if need be do a third search if the populated list is still too long.

I guess if it is by Userform I could click on hierarchy lists but do I have to? What is the best format to use to achieve a 1-3 stage option to get down to small list to click on one string to select it?

[FDibbins]

What is the best format to use to achieve a 1-3 stage option to get down to small list to click on one string to select it

Have you looked at just using excel's built-in filter function? Find it on the Home tab/Editing/Sorth and Filter/Filter.

Once applied, yoy will see a drop-down arrow - click on that, and you will see a list of values found in that column. Uncheck ALL, and click on however many items you want to filter on. Note that ALL rows will be filtered, not just those in that column

[yachrishere]

Thanks, this is a good option but can it continue beyond the first filter? how would you then do a filter on the results of the filter?
Would this need to be copied and pasted/values only to another column to do another filter so I am only filtering the filtered?

Or is this a long way around and should I be using Forms or VBA or Formula's. A push in the right direction would be appreciated.