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How to sort a range by multiple columns in Excel and Google Sheets
Excel & Google Sheets
=SORT(A1:B4,2,FALSE,1,TRUE)Try it with your data
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Step by step
- 1Select the range of data you want to sort.
- 2In Excel, go to the Data tab and click on Sort. In Google Sheets, click on Data > Sort range by column.
- 3Choose the first column to sort by and specify ascending or descending order.
- 4Click Add level to add another sorting criterion and select the second column and its order.
- 5Click OK to apply the sorting.
Tips
- Ensure your headers are included in the selected range to maintain them at the top.
- Sorting is case-sensitive in some versions; check your settings if needed.
- Use the Sort dialog box for more complex sorting needs beyond two levels.
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Frequently asked
Can I sort by more than two columns?
Yes, you can add up to three levels of sorting criteria in both Excel and Google Sheets.
What happens if I don't include headers in the range?
Headers will be sorted along with the data, which might not be desirable. Include them in the selection and choose to keep them fixed in the sort options.
Is there a way to sort without using the UI?
Yes, you can use the SORT function in both Excel and Google Sheets to sort data programmatically.