Lesson 4.3: Sorting, Filtering, Autofill, Freezing Panes

This lesson covers powerful tools that help you manage and view data more efficiently in spreadsheets.

🔢 1. Sorting Data

Sorting means arranging data in ascending (A–Z) or descending (Z–A) order.

Steps:

• Select the column or table

• Go to Data tab → Click Sort A to Z or Sort Z to A

• You can sort by text, numbers, or dates

📌 Example: Sorting student marks from highest to lowest

🔍 2. Filtering Data

Filtering allows you to hide unwanted data and show only what you need.

Steps:

• Select the table → Go to Data tab → Click Filter

• Small drop-down arrows appear on column headers

• Use checkboxes to filter values (e.g., only show “Delhi”)

📌 Example: Showing only “Passed” students

🔁 3. Autofill

Autofill automatically fills a series of values, like numbers, dates, or days.

Steps:

• Type the first value (e.g., 1 or Monday)

• Click the fill handle (small square at bottom-right of cell)

• Drag it down or across to fill the series

📌 Example: Fill 1, 2, 3… or Jan, Feb, Mar…

📌 4. Freezing Panes

Freezing allows the top row or left column to stay visible while scrolling.

Steps:

• Go to View tab → Click Freeze Panes

• Choose:

  • Freeze Top Row – Keeps header visible

  • Freeze First Column – Keeps names or IDs visible

📌 Useful for long lists where headers go out of view

These tools make large data sheets easier to use, organize, and analyze.