SORT
The SORT function is used to sort a range or array of data in ascending or descending order. It is handy for organizing data sets in Excel to easily identify trends or patterns.
Syntax
=SORT(array, [sort_index], [sort_order], [by_col]) Arguments
| Argument | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| array | Yes | The range or array of data to be sorted. |
| sort_index | No | The column number or row number to sort by. Defaults to 1 for a single column range. |
| sort_order | No | The order in which to sort: 1 (ascending) or -1 (descending). Defaults to 1 if omitted. |
| by_col | No | A logical value specifying whether to sort by column (TRUE) or by row (FALSE). Defaults to FALSE if omitted (sort by row). |
About
When you find yourself drowning in a sea of unsorted data, the SORT function in Excel comes to the rescue. It lends a helping hand in the organization of information, allowing you to arrange your data in a structured manner with just a few clicks. Whether it's numbers, text, or dates, SORT can swiftly reorder your data set in either ascending or descending order, catering to your analytical needs with ease and efficiency. This function proves to be a valuable asset for anyone looking to streamline their data processing tasks and gain valuable insights from organized information.
Examples
Suppose you have a list of numbers in cells A1:A5 that you want to sort in ascending order. The SORT formula would be: =SORT(A1:A5)
If you have a table of data in range A1:C5 and you wish to sort it by the values in the second column in descending order, the SORT formula would be: =SORT(A1:C5, 2, -1)
If you have a table of data in range A1:C5 and you wish to sort it by the values in the second column in descending order, the SORT formula would be: =SORT(A1:C5, 2, -1)
Tips & notes
The SORT function works with both horizontal and vertical data sets. It dynamically reorders the data based on the specified sort criteria. Take into account the optional arguments to fine-tune your sorting requirements according to the structure of your data.
Common questions
Can the SORT function handle multi-column sorting?
Yes, the SORT function supports multi-column sorting by specifying the sort_index argument to indicate the column number. You can sort by multiple columns by providing the column numbers in the desired sort order.
Can I sort data in Excel in descending order using the SORT function?
Yes, you can sort data in descending order by setting the sort_order argument to -1. This will arrange the data in reverse order, from largest to smallest or Z to A, depending on the data type.
Is it possible to sort data by row instead of by column with the SORT function?
Yes, you can sort data by row by setting the by_col argument to FALSE. This will organize the data horizontally, row by row, instead of vertically by column.