Explore the power of your Excel data with our easy-to-follow guide on Excel Sort Function. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, learning Excel’s sorting and filtering tools can enhance your workflow and provide valuable insights. This article explores each step, ensuring you can organize your data efficiently and effectively. With our tips, you’ll be able to sort anything from simple lists to complex data sets. Let’s discover how Excel can transform your data analysis tasks and save you time. Remember, a well-sorted spreadsheet is the first step toward data-driven decision-making.

Excel SORT Function

What Is Excel Sort Function

The Excel SORT function is a powerful tool that allows you to sort the contents of a range or array in ascending or descending order. Remember, the SORT Function sorts your data without disturbing the original data set. It’s a great tool for organizing and analyzing data in Excel. Here’s a brief overview of its syntax and usage:

Syntax: =SORT(array, [sort_index], [sort_order], [by_col])1234

• Array: This is the range or array you want to sort234.
• Sort_index (optional): This is the column number you want to sort by. The default is 1234.
• Sort_order (optional): This allows you to select between ascending (1) and descending (-1) order. The default is ascending order234.
• By_col (optional): This allows you to select between sorting by column (TRUE) and sorting by row (FALSE). The default is FALSE234.

The SORT function returns a dynamic array of results. If values in the source data change, the result from SORT will update automatically. This function is part of a class of functions called dynamic arrays. For example, to sort a range by the first column in ascending order, you would use: =SORT(range) or =SORT(range,1,1). To sort by the second column in descending order, you would use: =SORT(range,2,-1).

Basic Excel SORT Formula

Read below to learn the basic formula for sorting data in Excel in ascending and descending order given for your reference,

Excel Formula to Sort in Ascending Order

Remember, these formulas will sort the numbers in the specified range in ascending order, without disturbing the original data set. In Excel, you can use the SORT function to sort data in ascending order. Here’s how you can do it:

To sort values in column B from smallest to largest, here’s the MS Excel formula to use:

=SORT(A2:B8, 2, 1) Random numbers and cells

Excel Formula to Sort in Descending Order

To sort a range of data in descending order in Excel, set the sort_order argument to -1 like this:

=SORT(A2:B8, 2, -1) Random numbers and cells

How to Sort Data in Excel Using Formula

Sorting data in Excel using formulas allows for the dynamic and automated organization of data without manual intervention. This technique leverages functions like `SORT` and `SEQUENCE` to efficiently arrange data in ascending or descending order based on specified criteria. Read below to learn more about typical uses of the SORT function in Microsoft Excel,

How to Sort One Column in Excel

To sort by column in Excel, set the by_col argument to TRUE. In this case, sort_index will represent a row, not a column. Read the given below article to learn the process of Sorting one Column in Excel.

How to Sort One Column in Excel

How to Sort Multiple Columns in Excel

When working with complex data models, you may often need a multi-level sort. Supply array constants for the sort_index and sort_order arguments. You can also read the below article to know the whole procedure of ‘Sorting multiple Columns in Excel’.

How to Sort Multiple Columns in Excel

Sort and Filter in Excel

When you need to filter data based on specific criteria and sort the output, you can use the `SORT` and `FILTER` functions together.

Syntax: SORT(FILTER(array, criteria_range=criteria), [sort_index], [sort_order], [by_col])

Excel SORT Function Not Working

If your `SORT` formula in Microsoft Excel isn’t working, it could be due to several reasons. These tips should help you troubleshoot issues with sorting data in Excel using formulas.

1. #NAME? error: This happens in older Excel versions. The `SORT` function only works in Excel 365 and Excel 2021. In older versions, you will get a #NAME? error.
2. #SPILL! error: This occurs when something is blocking the spill range. Ensure all cells in the spill range are empty and not merged. Remove any blockages to fix this.
3. #VALUE! error: Check the `sort_index` and `sort_order` arguments. The `sort_index` shouldn’t be higher than the number of columns in the array, and `sort_order` should be either 1 (ascending) or -1 (descending).
4. #REF! error: This happens if the source workbook is closed. Both the source and the destination workbooks need to be open for the `SORT` function to work.

Read More

• How to Sort Function in Excel

Conclusion

In conclusion, learning the Excel SORT function is a powerful tool that can transform your data analysis and decision-making processes. By understanding how to use this function, you can organize your data in a way that’s meaningful and easy to understand. Whether you’re sorting simple lists or complex data sets, the SORT function is your key to unlocking the full potential of Excel. Start using the SORT function today and see the difference it can make in your data management tasks. Remember, when it comes to data analysis in Excel, a well-sorted dataset is the first step toward success.

MS Excel Sort Function – FAQs

How to use NS Excel sort function?

Use the SORT function like this: =SORT(array, sort_index, sort_order), where array is the data range, sort_index is the column number to sort by, and sort_order is 1 for ascending or -1 for descending.

Can Excel automatically sort data?

Yes, Excel can automatically sort data using the SORT function. It dynamically updates the sorted data when the source data changes.

How to SORTBY list in Excel?

Use the SORTBY function: =SORTBY(array, by_array, [sort_order]), where array is the data range, by_array is the range to sort by, and sort_order is optional (1 for ascending, -1 for descending).

How do I use SORTBY in Excel?

To use SORTBY, input the function with your data range and the criteria range, like so: =SORTBY(A1:A10, B1:B10, 1) to sort A1:A10 by B1:B10 in ascending order.

What are sorting methods?

Sorting methods in Excel include:

• Ascending Order: Sorts data from smallest to largest.
• Descending Order: Sorts data from largest to smallest.
• Custom Order: Sorts data based on a user-defined list.

• Sort by Multiple Columns: Sorts data using multiple criteria.
• Dynamic Array Sorting: Automatically sorts data using functions like SORT and SORTBY.