My column filter now includes statistical data outside the main data area

**Metrobus425** · 06-08-2012, 09:28 AM

I have a spread sheet that lists jobs we are doing and includes columns for date due, date done and job status. I have been using filters to resort the work based upon status and date done.
Below the main body are statistical formula cells for the column information to total parts used, averages etc. Until now they have been ignored when sorting even thought this area does contain merged cells.
I have now added to the right of the main body statistical data for each row (job). Apart from the header area no cells are merged in this area. The top 4 cells of each column do have merged cells but they are all the same size column wise (or downwardly if you prefer). Across the top some cells are merged as a header for several columns.

I now cannot sort the cells. I get a message saying that all merged cells need to be the same size and the hilighted area includes the statistical data at the foot of the page.

How do I limit how far down the page I want the filter to include. It seemed to do it automatically before but not now.

Many thanks

David

**dilipandey** · 06-09-2012, 05:24 AM

Hi David,

One way could be.. remove filter, select the data manually which are above to statistical data, re-apply filter and check if you still see statistical data in filters.. thanks.

Regards,
DILIPandey

<click on below 'star' if this helps>

**Metrobus425** · 06-09-2012, 10:09 AM

I have tried to select only the cells that I wish to be included in the sort, and then selected the filter option but it still tries to include the data below. I don't understand why it has changed. It worked fine previously.

**shg** · 06-09-2012, 01:24 PM

Make sure that the table has a single header row at the top with no merged cells, no merged cells in the body of the table, and is surrounded left, right, top, and bottom with at least one blank column/row with no merged cells.

You'll know it's correct if you do Ctrl+A on any cell in the table and it selects the table and nothing else.

More generally, merged cells are the bane of Excel. If you don't unserstand how to avoid all the problems they cause, you should avoid them entirely.

**Metrobus425** · 06-11-2012, 01:22 AM

Morning shg.

I thought I had already done that but I rechecked following your message and found one merged cell. Deleted that and all is well again. I don't usually have a problem with them but that is probably more luck than skill!

The Ctrl A tip is helpful. I have now re-merged the cells and it is okay this time so not sure why it messed things up earlier

Many thanks. David