How to sort numbers in excel

Answer

Sorting in Excel is the process of arranging numeric values in ascending or descending order.

How to sort numbers in Excel

To sort numbers in Excel, follow these steps:

1. Select the cells that contain the numbers.

2. Go to the Home tab.

3. Select Sort & Filter in the Editing group.

4. Choose Sort Smallest to Largest for ascending order.

5. Choose Sort Largest to Smallest for descending order.

Windows and Mac use the same commands for basic number sorting.

How to sort numbers with headers

To sort numbers in a column with a header row, follow these steps:

1. Click any cell within the column that contains the numbers.

2. Go to the Data tab.

3. Choose Sort Smallest to Largest or Sort Largest to Smallest.

4. Confirm that My data has headers in the dialog box.

The setting prevents the header from mixing with the numeric values.

How to sort multiple columns that contain numbers

To sort several numeric columns based on one column’s order, follow these steps:

1. Select the entire dataset that contains the numeric columns.

2. Go to the Data tab.

3. Select Sort.

4. Choose the primary column under Sort by.

5. Choose Smallest to Largest or Largest to Smallest.

6. Add more levels with Add Level when sorting additional numeric columns.

Excel sorts the dataset row-by-row to keep related values together.

How to sort numbers stored as text

Excel sorts text values differently from numeric values. Text-based numbers require conversion.

Steps to convert text numbers to real numbers

1. Select the cells.

2. Choose the warning icon next to the selection.

3. Select Convert to Number.

Another method uses Text to Columns:

1. Select the cells.

2. Go to Data.

3. Select Text to Columns.

4. Choose Finish.

Sorting behaves normally after the conversion.

How to sort numbers with blanks

Excel places blank cells at the bottom of ascending and descending sorts.
To move blanks intentionally:

1. Select the dataset.

2. Open Sort in the Data tab.

3. Add a level.

4. Choose the column with blanks.

5. Select Cell Color.

6. Assign an on-top or on-bottom position.

Excel places blank cells based on the custom sort order.

How to sort numbers using Sort Options

The Sort Options dialog adjusts how Excel reads numeric characters.

Steps to customize sorting

1. Open Sort from the Data tab.

2. Select Options.

3. Choose Sort top to bottom for vertical data.

4. Choose Sort left to right for horizontal numeric lists.

Excel sorts numbers in rows when the horizontal option is active.

How to sort numbers in a table

Excel tables contain built-in sorting controls.

Steps

1. Click any cell inside the table.

2. Use the drop-down arrow in the numeric column header.

3. Choose Sort Smallest to Largest or Sort Largest to Smallest.

Excel dynamically adjusts the sort when rows are added or removed.

Yes · 0 No · 0 Add Comment · 0

Add ·

Report