Microsoft Excel is a powerful application that contains robust features to improve data analysis and visualization. The Excel slicer is one such feature that makes it simple for users to filter and work with data. Slicers can be used effectively with many columns of data in addition to the single column of data with which they are most frequently used. In this article, we will explore the capabilities and advantages of using an Excel slicer with multiple columns.
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What Is Excel Slicer?
Users can filter and alter data in a pivot table, pivot chart, or Excel table using an interactive visual interface called an Excel slicer. It offers a simple and easy method for choosing particular values from a dataset and immediately filtering the related data according to those choices. Slicers are mostly used to condense the data displayed, making it simpler to examine and evaluate particular subsets of data.
When you add a slicer to an Excel spreadsheet, it creates a box or a group of tabs with unique values from one or more chosen data columns. Each value functions as a button or checkbox that you may use to filter the data appropriately.
How to Add Slicer in Excel?
Your Excel worksheets can benefit from adding slicers to make filtering easier and more aesthetically pleasing. You can insert slicers and smoothly filter your data with a few clicks by following the procedures listed below:
- Select the entire dataset of range B4:E15 and go to the Insert tab.
- Then select the Table option.
- After clicking on the Table option, you will find the following dialog box where you can customize the range.
- Check on “My table has headers” and click on OK.
- The final table is developed.
- Click on any cell of the table and go to Insert >> Filters >> Slicer.
- Now you will find the Insert Slicers window with all the header names.
- Check on the headers that you want to add to the slicer and click on OK.
- The slicer is added to your worksheet.
Excel Slicer with Multiple Columns: 3 Examples
To show the use of the Excel slicer with multiple columns, we will use the previously created table that contains some employees’ information. From this table, we will show the different examples of adding multiple slicers, multiple items in the slicer, and multiple columns in the slicer.
1. Excel Slicer with Multiple Columns
In Excel slicer, you can find all the columns in a single column. You can see the below image.
But sometimes there is so much data in a column that you can face trouble to filter your desired values. To overcome this problem, you can distribute data in multiple columns in a slicer. To do so,
- We already know how to add a slicer in Excel. Now click on the slicer which you want to divide into multiple columns.
- Go to the Slicer menu bar.
- Select the Column bar and enter the number of columns you want to divide the slicer.
- You can also use the upper and lower cursor of the Column number bar to customize the column number.
- In the column number bar, we enter 3, so you will find the slicer divide into three columns.
We can see there are three columns in the slicer.
2. Add Multiple Slicers for Multiple Columns in Excel
You can add multiple slicers to filter multiple columns. To do so,
- Go to Insert the Slicer dialog box, where you will find all the column headers.
- Check the headers which you want to add as a slice and click on OK.
- Multiple slicers will add to your worksheet.
Now, you will be able to filter data by selecting options from different slicers.
3. Select Multiple Items in a Single Slicer
As a slicer is used to filter data, you can apply multiple filtered items at one go. For this:
- Select the marked symbol (Multi-Select) and click on the items that you want to filter.
- You will find the selected items filtered in your table.
You can also use the Ctrl key to select multiple items from the slicer.
How to Customize Excel Slicer
In Excel, you have the opportunity to customize your Excel slicer according to your preference. For this,
- Go to the Slicer menu and select the Slicer Settings
- You will find a box where you can change the Slicer Name and item arrangement and can check to hide items with no data.
- Finally, click on OK to apply all the settings.
- You can also change the slicer style by expanding to the Quick Styles
- Additionally, you can change the slicer column height and width.
Benefits of Using Multiple Column Slicer
Slicers have so many advantages to use on a dataset. Moreover, a multiple-column slicer has some more benefits as well. They are-
- Multiple-column slicers provide a holistic view of your data, allowing you to analyze multiple dimensions simultaneously. You can slice and dice your data based on various criteria, facilitating deeper insights and a better understanding of complex relationships.
- By utilizing slicers with multiple columns, you can create more comprehensive and interactive visualizations. You can easily switch between different combinations of columns, enabling you to present your data in a visually appealing and informative manner.
- With multiple column slicers, you can streamline your data filtering process. Instead of applying individual filters to each column separately, you can make selections across multiple columns in one go, saving time and effort.
- Sharing workbooks with multiple column slicers simplifies collaboration among team members. Everyone can explore the data using the slicers, ensuring consistent analysis and fostering effective decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I customize the appearance and behavior of slicers for multiple columns?
Yes, Excel provides various customization options for slicers. You can change their size, color, and layout, and connect them to multiple pivot tables or charts. Additionally, you can control how slicers interact with each other and the data by adjusting options in the slicer settings.
2. Can I use slicers to filter data in regular Excel tables, not just pivot tables?
Yes, slicers can be used to filter data in regular Excel tables as well. Simply select the table range, go to the “Insert” tab, and create slicers using the same steps mentioned earlier.
3. Can I remove slicers from my worksheet once I no longer need them?
Yes, you can remove slicers from your worksheet by selecting the slicer(s) and pressing the “Delete” key. Alternatively, you can right-click on a slicer and choose the “Delete” option.
4. Can I save and reuse slicers in different Excel workbooks?
Unfortunately, Excel doesn’t provide a direct option to save and reuse slicers across different workbooks. However, you can copy and paste slicers between workbooks manually or use VBA programming to automate the process.
5. Are there any limitations or considerations when using slicers for multiple columns in Excel?
One important consideration is that slicers filter data in an “OR” logic. It means that selecting values in different slicers will display any data that matches all the selected values. Additionally, the number of slicers you can add to a worksheet may be limited based on the available screen space.
Things to Remember
- Carefully insert the range while inserting a table.
- Add slicers as per your requirement.
- Input multiple columns in a slicer for better visualization of a huge number of items.
- Check the slicer header according to your requirement.
- You can use this process to apply the slicer in Pivot Table
Conclusion
After completing the article, we believe you will develop a decent knowledge on Excel slicer with multiple columns. You will also clearly learn how to add a slicer to filter your dataset efficiently. You will be able to customize the slicer as per your requirement. Furthermore, if you have any queries, feel free to comment. You can also learn more about Excel features by connecting yourself with the ExcelDemy website.
