Why can't i sort in excel

Answer

1. What stops sorting from working in Excel?

Sorting fails in Excel when specific conditions block the sorting engine from reorganizing data. Excel sorts values when the dataset meets structural rules. Sorting does not work when any rule is broken.

2. Why is Excel not letting me sort?

Excel is not letting you sort because one or more constraints below are active. Each constraint changes how Excel reads the data structure and prevents the sort action.

2.1 Mixed data types in a column

A column fails to sort when cells contain multiple data types. A column sorts correctly when all cells use text or numbers consistently.

2.2 Hidden rows or columns

Hidden rows or columns interfere with sorting. Sorting works when the entire dataset is visible.

2.3 Merged cells inside the sorting range

Excel blocks sorting when merged cells exist in the selected range. Excel sorts only when every row has the same number of columns.

2.4 The dataset is not converted into a consistent table structure

Data does not sort when Excel detects blank rows, uneven regions, or disconnected blocks. Excel sorts when the range forms one continuous block with uniform columns.

2.5 Filters are active with inconsistent ranges

Sorting fails when filter mode is on and the filtered range does not match the actual data block. Sorting works when the filter applies to the entire dataset.

2.6 Protected sheet

Sorting is disabled when the worksheet is protected. Sorting works when the sheet protection is removed or when sort permissions are enabled.

2.7 External connections or shared workbook mode

Sorting stops working when the file uses features like legacy shared workbooks or locked external connections. Sorting works when sharing or connections are disabled.

3. How to fix sorting issues in Excel (Windows and Mac)

3.1 Unmerge all cells

1. Select the entire range.

2. Go to Home > Merge & Center.

3. Choose Unmerge Cells.

4. Attempt sorting again.

3.2 Convert data into a clean Excel Table

1. Select any cell in your dataset.

2. Press Ctrl + T (Windows) or Command + T (Mac).

3. Confirm the header row.

4. Apply sorting from the table headers.

3.3 Remove blank rows and broken ranges

1. Select the column with blanks.

2. Press Ctrl + G → Special → Blanks.

3. Delete the blank rows.

4. Retry sorting.

3.4 Remove protection

Windows

1. Go to Review > Unprotect Sheet.

2. Enter the password if required.

Mac

1. Go to Review > Unprotect Sheet from the ribbon.

2. Enter the password.

3.5 Clear filters

1. Go to Data > Clear.

2. Ensure the entire range is selected.

3. Reapply sorting.

3.6 Ensure consistent data types

1. Highlight the column.

2. Go to Data > Text to Columns.

3. Choose a consistent format: Text or General.

4. Sort again.

3.7 Unhide rows and columns

1. Select the entire sheet.

2. Right-click any row header → Unhide.

3. Right-click any column header → Unhide.

4. Retry sorting.

4. Why does Excel say “This operation requires merged cells to be identically sized”?

Excel gives this error because merged cells break the rectangular data structure. Excel sorts rows only when every cell aligns in a perfectly rectangular grid.

5. Why does my sort only affect one column?

Sorting affects one column only when the column is separated by empty columns or rows. Excel sorts all columns when the entire dataset is selected or formatted as a table.

6. Why does Excel sort numbers as text?

Numbers sort inaccurately when Excel stores them as text. A number sorts correctly when Excel recognizes it as a numeric value.

How to convert text-stored numbers to real numbers

1. Select the column.

2. Click the warning icon, choose Convert to Number.

3. Sort again.

7. Why does my custom sort not work?

Custom sort fails when the header row is not detected correctly or when filter mode is applied to a partial range. Custom sort works when the dataset structure is complete, and the header row is formatted properly.

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