How to sort Excel columns by value?

Sorting Excel columns by value is a convenient feature that allows users to arrange data in a specific order based on numerical or alphabetical values. Whether you want to organize a list of names, numbers, or any other data, Excel offers several methods to efficiently sort columns. In this article, we will explore the different ways to sort Excel columns by value.

Using the Sort Function in Excel

The most straightforward way to sort columns by value in Excel is by utilizing the built-in sort function. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Open your Excel spreadsheet and select the column you want to sort.
2. Navigate to the “Data” tab on the menu bar and locate the “Sort” button.
3. Click on the “Sort” button, and a dialog box will appear.
4. In the dialog box, select the column you wish to sort by using the “Sort by” dropdown menu.
5. Choose the sorting order (ascending or descending) in the “Order” dropdown menu.
6. Click the “OK” button to apply the sorting settings.

How to sort Excel columns by value?

To sort Excel columns by value, follow these steps:

1. Open Excel and select the column you want to sort.
2. Go to the “Data” tab on the menu bar.
3. Locate the “Sort” button and click on it.
4. In the dialog box that appears, choose the column you want to sort by from the “Sort by” dropdown menu.
5. Select the desired sorting order (ascending or descending) from the “Order” dropdown menu.
6. Click “OK” to apply the sorting settings.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I sort multiple columns at once in Excel?

No, Excel only allows sorting one column at a time. However, you can select multiple columns and sort them together by using the “Sort on” and “Then by” options in the sort dialog box.

2. How can I sort by multiple criteria in Excel?

In the sort dialog box, you can add multiple sorting levels by clicking on the “Add Level” button. This enables you to sort by multiple criteria, such as sorting by one column and then by another.

3. What should I do if there are blank cells in the column I want to sort?

If you encounter blank cells in the column you want to sort, Excel provides an option to either sort the blank cells at the top or bottom of the sorted range.

4. Can I undo the sorting operation in Excel?

Yes, pressing Ctrl + Z or using the undo button in the toolbar allows you to revert the changes made by the sorting operation.

5. How can I sort by custom criteria, such as sorting based on cell color?

Unfortunately, the basic sort function in Excel does not provide the ability to sort by cell color or other custom criteria. However, you can use other Excel features or macros to achieve this functionality.

6. What should I do if I want to keep the formatting intact while sorting?

To retain formatting while sorting in Excel, you need to select the entire range of your data, including headers, before applying the sort function.

7. Does Excel remember the sorting settings?

No, Excel does not remember sorting settings by default. If you sort a column and then modify the data, you will need to reapply the sorting settings.

8. Can I sort by text length in Excel?

Yes, select the column you want to sort, go to the sort dialog box, choose “Values” in the “Sort on” dropdown menu, and select “Text length” under the “Order” dropdown menu.

9. Does Excel allow me to sort columns based on formulas?

When using the sort function, Excel treats formulas as their calculated values. Therefore, you can sort columns based on formulas.

10. Can I sort columns in a specific range rather than the entire sheet?

Yes, Excel provides the option to sort columns in a specific range. Just select the desired range before applying the sort function.

11. Is it possible to sort columns automatically when new data is added?

Excel doesn’t have a built-in feature to automatically sort columns when new data is added. However, you can use macros or VBA coding to achieve automatic sorting.

12. Will sorting one column affect the other columns in my Excel sheet?

When you sort one column in Excel, the data in that column will rearrange, while the data in other columns will stay aligned if they have any dependencies. However, it’s always wise to double-check and make sure the sorting operation doesn’t interfere with any related data.

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