is there a way to format a cell so that you can put multiple values in it? for example 1,2,3,4 1,3,4 1 2 1,3 then i can search for those values/ filter the values? thanks

I'm assuming you want to filter on an individual value, e.g. filtering on 3 would hide rows 3 and 4. I don't know of a way to use Excel's AutoFilter feature with this type of data, but this macro will do something similiar, e.g. filtering on 3 will hide rows 3 and 4. It includes code to Show All by default and will Show All and tell the user if the requested value is not found. It does not however, present a list of unique values to choose from. That could be done, but it would take a bit more code...and time. ;-) Sub FindVal() Dim MyRange As Range Set MyRange = Range("A1:A5") 'Get value from user MyValue = Application.InputBox _ (Prompt:="Enter Value to Filter On, Click OK to Show All", _ Title:="Value Filter", _ Default:="Show All") 'Exit if user cancels If MyValue = False Then Exit Sub 'Show All by default If MyValue = "Show All" Then MyRange.EntireRow.Hidden = False Exit Sub End If 'Make all rows visible then hide those without value Range("A1:A5").EntireRow.Hidden = False With MyRange Set c = .Find(MyValue, lookat:=xlPart) If Not c Is Nothing Then For Each cell In MyRange If Not cell Like "*" & MyValue & "*" _ Then cell.EntireRow.Hidden = True Next Exit Sub Else 'Inform user if value not found MsgBox MyValue & " Not Found" End If End With End Sub