Be able to select subsets of data using a single criterion, or multiple criteria

What is a “subset”?

Think of a spreadsheet as a giant shopping list. A subset is just a smaller list you pick out from the big one, like all the items that cost more than $10 or all the items that are on sale. In spreadsheet terms, we call this “filtering” the data.

Single‑Criterion Filtering

A single criterion means you look at just one column to decide which rows stay. For example, “Show only rows where the Score is ≥ 80.”

1. Click the filter icon (🔍) in the column header.
2. Choose Number Filters → Greater Than or Equal To….
3. Enter 80 and press OK.

The spreadsheet now shows only the rows that meet that single rule.

Multiple‑Criterion Filtering (AND / OR)

Sometimes you need more than one rule. Think of it like a double‑filter – only rows that satisfy both conditions (AND) or at least one condition (OR) will appear.

• AND example: Show rows where Score ≥ 80 and Grade = "A".
• OR example: Show rows where Score ≥ 80 or Grade = "A".

In Excel, you can create a Custom Filter and tick the boxes for each condition. In Google Sheets, use FILTER() or QUERY() functions.

Practical Example: Student Scores

Suppose we have the following data:

Filter 1: Show only students with Score ≥ 80:

• Alice – 92 – A
• Charlie – 85 – A

Filter 2 (AND): Score ≥ 80 and Grade = "A" gives the same two rows.

Filter 3 (OR): Score ≥ 80 or Grade = "A" also returns the same two rows because both conditions are satisfied by the same students.

Exam Tips

📌 Remember the difference between “AND” and “OR” – it changes which rows are shown. 📌 Check the filter icon – if it’s highlighted, a filter is active. 📌 Use the “Clear Filter” button to reset to the full dataset. 📌 Practice with sample data before the exam – the more you filter, the faster you’ll be. 📌 Write down the exact criteria you used in your answer – examiners look for clarity.