How to Delete Filtered Rows in Excel Shortcut

Microsoft Excel is a software that is widely used by businesses and individuals to manage and analyze data. It provides numerous features that aid in data processing, but there may be times in which you want to delete filtered rows from a worksheet. The ability to remove rows that do not meet certain criteria can help in decluttering data or identifying errors; however, it can be difficult to locate the correct cells to delete, especially when there are many rows involved. This article will introduce four methods for deleting filtered rows in Excel.

Video Tutorial:

The Challenge of Deleting Filtered Rows in Excel

It is common to use Excel’s filter function to extract necessary data from a large dataset. After filtering the desired data, it may be necessary to delete filtered rows that do not meet the required criteria. The challenge arises when the cells that need to be deleted are spread across various locations and may not be easily located. It can be especially challenging to delete multiple rows that are non-contiguous. People often spend a long time manually selecting and deleting cells, which can be tedious and error-prone.

Things You Should Prepare for

Before starting to delete filtered rows, there are a few things to prepare for to ensure the process goes smoothly. First and foremost, make sure you have a backup of the original data in case you mistakenly delete important cells. Secondly, make sure the filtered dataset is well-organized, with no merged cells or blank columns, as the deletions can be affected by such elements. Additionally, check that the filter is correctly set to the correct criteria before deleting rows.

Method 1: Using the Go To Special Function

One easy method to delete filtered rows in Excel is by using the Go To Special function, which locates cells based on certain criteria. This method is useful for selecting and deleting non-contiguous cells that meet certain conditions.

1. Select the data range you have filtered.
2. Press F5 or Ctrl + G to open the ‘Go To’ dialogue box.
3. Click on the “Special” button at the bottom left corner of the window to open the “Go To Special” dialogue box.
4. Select the “Visible Cells Only” radio button and click “OK.”
5. All selected cells that are visible in the filtered range will be highlighted.
6. Finally, press Ctrl + "-" or right-click and select "Delete Rows" to eliminate the non-contiguous cells that have been identified.

Pros:

• Allows for the selection and deletion of non-contiguous cells.
• Quick and easy method to identify and delete cells that meet certain criteria.

Cons:

• Does not work for selecting contiguous cells.
• May delete cells that are not needed if the criteria are not set up correctly.

Method 2: Using the Subtotal Function

Another method that can be used to delete filtered rows in Excel is the Subtotal function. This method is useful when dealing with large datasets that need to be grouped.

1. Select the filtered data range you want to delete.
2. Go to the Data tab, then click on the ‘Subtotal’ option.
3. Select a field to group by and hit “OK.”
4. Select the “2” button (or the last number where “sum” should appear) and click “OK.”
5. The data will be grouped in a new table format, with some rows containing subtotals.
6. Click the minus sign next to the subtotals you want to delete, and the associated rows will indicate with strikethrough formatting.
7. Finally, press "Ctrl" + "-" to delete all the rows that have been marked with strikethrough formatting.

Pros:

• Useful for group summarizing large datasets.
• Gives users control over which subtotals and associated rows they want to delete.

Cons:

• Can be time-consuming for large data sets.
• May involve more work than other methods if no subtotals are needed for the data.

Method 3: Using the Filter Feature to Select and Delete Rows

The third method for deleting filtered rows in Excel is to use the Filter feature to select and delete rows that fit certain criteria. This method is easy to follow and can be useful when working with small datasets.

1. Select the data range and apply a filter.
2. Click on the drop-down arrow of the column you want to use as the filter criteria.
3. Select the desired criteria completely.
4. Select the visible cells only.
5. Finally, press "Ctrl" + "-" or right-click > ‘Delete Rows’ to delete the cells.

Pros:

• Easy to use for small datasets.
• Allows the user to directly select rows that meet certain criteria.

Cons:

• Cannot be used for non-contiguous data.
• Not suitable for larger datasets.

Method 4: VBA Macro to Delete Filtered Rows

To delete multiple rows at once using VBA, you need to program a macro that selects and removes the filtered rows. This method is useful when dealing with large datasets requiring frequent updates. However, it should be used with caution as any mistakes in the program can lead to data loss.

1. Press ‘ALT’ + ‘F11’ to open the VBA editor.
2. On the left, go to your project via the explorer window or press ‘Ctrl’ + ‘R’.
3. Insert a new module via right click on the project item and select ‘Insert’ → ‘Module’.
4. Copy and paste the following code:

   Sub delete_rows()
On Error Resume Next
Rows("2:2").Activate
Selection.SpecialCells(xlCellTypeVisible).Select
Selection.EntireRow.Delete
End Sub

5. Press F5 or click on the ‘play’ button to execute the macro.

Pros:

• More flexible and customizable than other methods.
• Can be used for large datasets.

Cons:

• Requires knowledge of VBA and programming.
• Can cause data loss if not used carefully.

Why Can’t I Delete Filtered Rows in Excel?

1. Selected Range is not Filtered: Make sure the correct range is selected and that it is filtered. If it is not yet filtered, try applying a filter.

2. Protected Worksheet: If the worksheet is password-protected, you may not have the necessary permissions to delete filtered cells. You will need to unprotect the worksheet or contact the worksheet owner to gain permissions.

3. Merged Cells: Merging cells can affect the selected ranges for deletion. Unmerge the cells before deleting them, or use the Go To Special function to select and delete.

4. Blank Rows or Columns: Blank rows or columns can interrupt filter settings and make deleting filtered rows difficult. Clear any unnecessary columns or rows before deleting the filtered data.

Fixes:

• Double-check that the correct range is selected and that it is filtered.
• Remove worksheet protection or gain necessary permissions from the worksheet owner if it is password-protected.
• Unmerge cells before selecting the range for deletion.
• Clear any blank rows or columns before deleting the filtered data.

Additional Tips

Deleting filtered rows in Excel is not always easy or intuitive, especially if multiple rows need to be eliminated. Here are some additional tips to make the process easier and more efficient:

• Always make a backup of your data before proceeding with any mass deletions.
• Double-check that you have the right criteria for filtering data before deleting rows.
• Use the Go To Special function to select and delete non-contiguous cells, and the Filter feature to select and delete rows that meet certain criteria.
• Be careful when using VBA to program macros for data deletion and ensure that code is thoroughly tested to avoid data loss.

5 FAQs of Deleting Filtered Rows in Excel

Q1. Can you recover filtered data if you delete it accidentally?

A1. Unfortunately, you cannot recover filtered data that you have deleted accidentally. Always make sure that you have a backup of your data before deleting any cells.

Q2. Can I reverse a deleted row or set of rows?

A2. Yes. Excel has an ‘Undo’ function that allows you to reverse the last action performed. You can use the shortcut ‘Ctrl + Z’ to undo the deletion.

Q3. Can you delete filtered rows in a protected worksheet?

A3. It depends on your permission settings for the worksheet. If you have write permission, you can delete filtered rows. If not, you will need to unprotect the worksheet or contact the worksheet owner to gain permissions.

Q4. What happens if there are blank rows in the filtered range?

A4. Blank rows in the filtered range can interfere with filter settings and make it difficult to select the range for deletion. Clear any unused rows or columns before deleting filtered data.

Q5. Is it possible to delete a range that’s disjointed?

A5. Yes, it is possible. Use the Go To Special function to select non-contiguous cells that meet certain criteria. Once the cells have been identified, you can delete them by pressing "Ctrl" + "-" or right-click and select "Delete Rows."

Conclusion

Deleting filtered rows in Excel can be a time-consuming and tedious process, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be done easily and efficiently. The methods discussed in this article include using Go-To Special, the Subtotal function, the Filter feature, and a VBA Macro. It’s also essential to carefully check your filter criteria, remove blank rows and columns, and backup data before performing any mass deletions. With these tips and methods in mind, you should be able to manage large datasets with ease and precision.