Compact mode
FILTER vs SORT vs FREQUENCY
Table of content
Basic Classification Comparison
Function Category 📊
Primary classification of the Excel function based on its main purpose and usage domain, helps users quickly identify function typesFILTERSORTFREQUENCY- StatisticalFREQUENCY belongs to the Statistical category. Excel functions for statistical analysis and calculations
Operation Type 🔧
Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputsFILTER- ManipulationFILTER performs Manipulation operations. Functions that modify and transform data in different ways
SORT- ManipulationSORT performs Manipulation operations. Functions that modify and transform data in different ways
FREQUENCY- CalculationFREQUENCY performs Calculation operations. Excel functions for performing various calculations
Usage Context Comparison
For whom 👥
Target user groups who would benefit most from using this Excel functionFILTER- Data AnalystsFILTER is designed for Data Analysts. Excel functions specifically designed for data analysis and interpretation Click to see all.
- ScientistsFILTER is designed for Scientists. Excel functions used in scientific calculations and research Click to see all.
- Business ManagersFILTER is designed for Business Managers. Excel functions helpful for business management and decision making Click to see all.
SORT- Data AnalystsSORT is designed for Data Analysts. Excel functions specifically designed for data analysis and interpretation Click to see all.
- Business ManagersSORT is designed for Business Managers. Excel functions helpful for business management and decision making Click to see all.
FREQUENCY
Basic Information Comparison
Known For ⭐
Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel functionFILTER- Advanced FilteringFILTER is known for Advanced Filtering.
SORT- Dynamic SortingSORT is known for Dynamic Sorting.
FREQUENCY- Distribution AnalysisFREQUENCY is known for Distribution Analysis.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionFILTER- Revolutionized Excel data filtering
SORT- First dynamic array sorting function
FREQUENCY- Essential for histogram creation
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionFILTER- The Marie Kondo of Excel functions
SORT- The librarian of Excel functions
FREQUENCY- The function statisticians dream about
Usage Information Comparison
Formula Complexity Level 📖
Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectivelyFILTERSORTFREQUENCY
Technical Details Comparison
Input Data Type 📝
Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parametersFor all*FILTER- RangeFILTER accepts Range as input data. Excel functions that operate on cell ranges and data sets
SORT- RangeSORT accepts Range as input data. Excel functions that operate on cell ranges and data sets
Version Compatibility 💻
Indicates which Excel versions and platforms the function is compatible with < including Office 365< Excel 2019< 2016< etc.For all*- Excel 2019Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2019 version
FILTER- Microsoft 365FILTER is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
SORT- Microsoft 365SORT is compatible with Microsoft 365 Excel functions optimized for the latest Microsoft 365 platform
FREQUENCY- Excel 2016FREQUENCY is compatible with Excel 2016 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version
Operating System 💾
Specifies the operating systems where the function can be used < including Windows< macOS< and web platformsFor all*- WindowsExcel functions optimized for Windows operating system
- MacOSExcel functions optimized for MacOS users
FILTER- Excel OnlineFILTER runs on Excel Online Excel functions available in the online version of Excel
- Web ExcelFILTER runs on Web Excel Excel functions available in web-based versions
SORT- Excel OnlineSORT runs on Excel Online Excel functions available in the online version of Excel
- Web ExcelSORT runs on Web Excel Excel functions available in web-based versions
Required Arguments Count 🔢
Number of mandatory arguments needed for the function to work properlyFILTERSORTFREQUENCYRequired Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionFor all*- RangeExcel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
FILTER- ArrayFILTER accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
- BooleanFILTER accepts Boolean as input types Excel functions that work with true/false logical inputs for decision-making
FREQUENCY- ArrayFREQUENCY accepts Array as input types Excel functions that specifically work with array inputs for calculations
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionFILTER- Dynamic FilteringFunctions that enable real-time filtering of data based on changing criteria
- Multiple Criteria
- Flexible Output
- Returns Dynamic Arrays
- Flexible Filtering
SORT- Automatic Sorting
- Dynamic ResultsFunctions that automatically update results when source data changes
- Multiple Columns
- Automatic Updates
FREQUENCY- Powerful Statistical Analysis
- Array Output
Cons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionFILTER- Requires Modern ExcelFunctions only available in recent versions of Excel Click to see all.
- Complex For Beginners
- Requires Latest Excel Versions
- Memory Intensive
SORT- Requires Modern ExcelFunctions only available in recent versions of Excel Click to see all.
- Space Requirements
- Resource IntensiveFunctions that consume significant computer memory and processing power Click to see all.
FREQUENCY- Must Be Entered As Array Formula
- Complex Usage
Ratings Comparison
Alternatives to FILTER
UNIQUE
Known for Duplicate Removal
📊
is easier to use than FILTER
XLOOKUP
Known for Dynamic Array Support
🔢
needs fewer arguments than FILTER
📊
is easier to use than FILTER
⭐
is rated higher than FILTER
SEQUENCE
Known for Dynamic Number Series
⚙
performs better than FILTER
CONCAT
Known for Modern Text Joining
📊
is easier to use than FILTER
⚙
performs better than FILTER
COUNT
Known for Counting Numeric Cells
📊
is easier to use than FILTER
INDEX_MATCH
Known for Two-Way Lookup Power
🔢
needs fewer arguments than FILTER
📈
is more versatile than FILTER
⚙
performs better than FILTER
🛠
is more reliable than FILTER
⭐
is rated higher than FILTER
TRANSPOSE
Known for Converting Row Data To Columns
📊
is easier to use than FILTER
INDEX
Known for Advanced Data Retrieval
🔢
needs fewer arguments than FILTER
SUM
Known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations
📊
is easier to use than FILTER
🛠
is more reliable than FILTER
⭐
is rated higher than FILTER