Column Sort in Excel

Last Updated :

21 Aug, 2024

Blog Author :

Jeevan A Y

Edited by :

Ashish Kumar Srivastav

Reviewed by :

Dheeraj Vaidya, CFA, FRM

Table Of Contents

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How to Sort Your Column Data in Excel? (Step-by-Step)

Follow the below steps to sort the column in Excel:

  1. For example, we must select the data. Select means we do not have to select all the data but choose as per the below image. We will select only the columns from B to M.


    Column Sort Excel Step 1

  2. We must go to the "Data" tab and select the "Sort" option. (We can also press ALT + D + S).


    Column Sort Excel Step 2

  3. Now, we will click on "Options."


    Column Sort Excel Step 3

  4. Clicking on the "Options" button will open up the below dialogue box. First, we must select "Sort Left to Right."


    Column Sort Excel Step 4

    Once we select this option in Excel, it understands the data from right to left instead of top to bottom.

  5. We need to click on Excel's "Sort by" drop-down list. As a result, we will not see any header. Instead, it shows only Row1, Row2, and Row3, as shown below.


    Column Sort Excel Step 5

  6. It will understand our requirements here. Now, we need to sort the data month-wise. Our month is in the first row. So, we must select "Row 1" as the option. Since we are sorting the data month-wise from Jan to Dec, it becomes oldest to newest. So select "Oldest to Newest" under the "Order" section.


    Column Sort Excel Step 6

  7. Click the “OK” button to sort the data from Jan to Dec.


    Column Sort Excel Step 7

This topic opens up many avenues for further exploration. If you’re intrigued by these concepts, this Basic Excel Course might provide additional insights and hands-on experience.

Example to Sort Column in Excel

I was in an interview, and I have given data from the hiring manager to sort out the data based on the heading. He has given me the below data and asked me to sort the data. The first column should be "Revenue," the second one should have "Cost," and the final column should be "Profit."

Column Sort in Excel Step 1

I thought for a minute that he did not ask me to sort the data alphabetically. If that were the case, it would have been a walk in the park for me. Instead, he asked me to sort differently.

After thinking for a minute, I remembered the "Custom Sort" option. In "Custom Sort," we can mention headings, and decide which one to come first, second, etc.

  • Step 1: We must select the data.

Step 2

  • Step 2: Press ”ALT + D + S” and go to ”Options.”

Step 3

  • Step 3: We must select “Sort left to right.”

Step 4

  • Step 4: Click on “OK,” and under the “Sort by” option, select “Row1.”

Step 5

  • Step 5: Since we need to do a custom sort, we cannot select A to Z, but we must choose the "Custom List" option.

Step 6

  • Step 6: Under the custom list, we can mention our order of the sort. Under "List entries," we have said our order.

Step 7

  • Step 7: Click on "OK." The "Order" list will be shown in the "Sort" dialog box.

Step 8

  • Step 8: Click on "OK." It will sort the data according to the values we have given.

Step 9

Things to Remember

  • It is important to select the options and set our sorting method as "Sort right to the left." Otherwise, it will sort it as row type.
  • It is beneficial to sort in case of arranging headings alphabetically.
  • Unlike row sorting, there is no "My Data Has Header" option in column sorting.
  • We can sort the dates from oldest to newest.

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