Forum Discussion
Which excel formula?
If you have Excel 2021 or newer (a subscription to Microsoft 365) then the FILTER function would be ideal.
However, there's always the question of whether it's a good idea to do what you're trying to do, even if it can be done. Would you care to describe what splitting these records out by area code is going to help accomplish? Excel works very well with single consolidated databases--records can readily be retrieved to a single sheet by area code (or city, state, etc) for use in a given moment. But maintaining that database is always easier and more reliable if it's kept as a single database.
For example, if somebody moves from New York to Washington (excuse my US-centric examples if you're elsewhere in the world), are you going to go to the trouble of deleting them from one sheet and adding them to another? And if you get interrupted half-way through, what happens. Using a single database enables you to just keep a single record and update it by whatever elements change, and that "dashboard sheet" for temporary use would automatically include them based on the new updated field.
mathetes I can do everything I need to do with the filter function I am just trying to have a formula to do the majority for me. I have 4000 customers spread out over 30 area codes. I have heavy busy time in spring and winter. I ame trying to break up the customers by area codes to keep my techs in close areas. When it comes that time I can look at my sheet and see who is in what area I need to call.
I can do everything I need to do with the filter function I am just trying to have a formula to do the majority for me.
Did you click on the link I gave to the FILTER function? It is not the filter capability from the tool bar, but is a function that is incorporated into formulas. That was the whole point. Much more effective than the IF function that you referred to. But it requires Excel 2021 or newer.
- Did not notice that and I will have to see what year it is when I get back to my shop
Here too is a YouTube video that served as my own introduction to the FILTER function, along with several others. It may give you a visual clue as to why it could be useful in your situation.