Sorting Data

Excel allows you to sort your data in ascending or descending order by one or more columns. Data sorting works best when your columns have a label. When you sort, Excel keeps your rows together.

Use the following procedure to sort. The part number column is used in this example.

1. Click on the column header.

2. Select the Sort & Filter tool from the Ribbon.

3. Select Sort A to Z or Sort Z to A.

Use the following procedure to create a custom sort.

1. Click on one column header you want to use in your sort.
2. Select the Sort & Filter tool from the Ribbon.
3. Select Custom Sort.

Excel opens the Sort dialog box.

1. You can choose the first column by which to sort from the Sort By drop down list. The options displayed match the column headers in your worksheet.
2. Select an option from the Sort On drop down list. Values is selected by default.
3. Select an Order from the drop down list.
4. To add another column to your sort, select Add Level. Repeat steps 4, 5, and 6 for the next sorting level. You can Delete the Level, Copy a Level, and rearrange the order of the sorting levels by using the up or down arrows.
5. Select OK when you have finished setting up your sort to see the results.