How to Filter Two Excel Tables Independently on the Same Worksheet in WPS Office
Question details
The user wants to know whether two Excel tables located on the same worksheet can be filtered independently in WPS Office Spreadsheets.
- Product
- WPS Office Spreadsheets
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Two tables are on the same worksheet and the user needs separate filtering for each data set.
- Observed behavior
- Filtering one table hides entire worksheet rows, which also affects the other table when the tables share row ranges.
Open the workbook in WPS Office Spreadsheets and check whether the two tables share the same worksheet rows. If they are side by side, decide whether you can move one table below the other or to another sheet.
Stack the Tables Vertically on the Same Worksheet
Use this method when you want to keep both tables on one sheet and filter each one independently.
WPS Office Spreadsheets filters operate on entire worksheet rows. When tables are side by side and share row numbers, filtering one table hides the same rows in the other table. Stacking tables one above the other separates their row ranges and allows independent filtering.
In WPS Office Spreadsheets, open the workbook and select all cells of the table that currently sits beside the other table.
Right-click the selected range and choose Cut, or press Ctrl+X.
Click a cell below the first table, leaving at least one blank row between them, then right-click and choose Paste.
Select each table, click the Data tab, and use the Filter button so each table has its own filter arrows.
Move One Table to a Separate Worksheet
Use this method when the tables are large or you prefer to keep each data set fully independent.
Filter Excel Tables Independently with WPS Office Spreadsheets
Arrange your Excel-compatible tables vertically or move one to a separate sheet in WPS Office Spreadsheets, then apply each filter independently without hiding unwanted rows.
- 1. Open the workbook in WPS Office Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Office, click Spreadsheets, and open the .xlsx or .xls workbook containing the tables.
- 2. Select the table that shares rows: Select the entire table that is side by side with another table and shares the same row numbers.
- 3. Move the table to a separate row range: Right-click the selection, choose Cut, click a cell below the first table or on a new sheet tab, and choose Paste.
- 4. Apply filters independently: Click inside each table or range, go to the Data tab, and click Filter to enable separate filter arrows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't two side-by-side Excel tables filter independently in WPS Office Spreadsheets?
Because filtering hides entire worksheet rows. If two tables share the same rows, the filter affects both tables. Move tables so their row ranges do not overlap, or put one table on a separate sheet.
How do I stack two tables vertically for independent filtering?
Select one table, press Ctrl+X to cut it, click a cell below the other table with at least one blank row in between, and paste. Then use the Data tab > Filter for each table separately.
Can I filter each table independently on separate sheets?
Yes. Move each table to its own worksheet by cutting it, right-clicking the sheet tab to insert a new sheet, and pasting it there. Apply filters from the Data tab on each sheet.
Will moving Excel tables in WPS Office affect compatibility with Microsoft Excel?
No. WPS Office Spreadsheets opens and saves .xlsx and .xls files, so the tables and filters remain compatible when you reopen the workbook in Microsoft Excel.
Does using a blank row between tables help filtering?
A blank row visually separates tables but does not by itself prevent row-hiding if the tables still overlap in the same vertical row range. The tables need separate row ranges, one above the other, or different sheets.
