How to Use the SORT Function in Google Sheets
Sorting data across a range of cells allows us to organize our sheets better. Through it, we can navigate the arranged data more efficiently, finding the required information more quickly. In Google Sheets, users can quickly sort data in a range of cells using the SORT function.
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Syntax of the SORT Function
Let’s take a look at the syntax of the SORT function before moving on to implementing it on a dataset:
Here,rangerefers to the cells containing the data you want to sort, andsort_columnrefers to the column by which you want to sort the data. With theis_ascendingargument, you can specify the order in which you want the range sorted. As inputs, it accepts eitherTRUEorFALSE, where TRUE indicates ascending order, while FALSE indicates descending order.
Note:The SORT function generates output in different cells without affecting the original. Thus, instead of replacing existing data with sorted ranges, it sorts existing data in different sheets or cells based on your instructions.
How to Sort Data in Google Sheets Using the SORT Function
For clarity, let’s sort the dataset shown below using the SORT function.
Suppose our task is to sort the data byColumn C (Wins)in ascending order. To achieve our desired outcome, follow these steps:
As shown above, we have a specified range from cellA2 to D10, we are sorting the data by columnD (D2 to D10), and we want to keep the sort ascending, soTRUEis used as the third argument. By pressingEnter, you will see the following output, the same as what we desired.
How to Sort Data in Google Sheets Using the SORT Function With Multiple Columns
Google Sheets also allows us to sort the data by multiple columns, as shown in the syntax. When sorting data by multiple columns, the first column will be sorted first; then, the function will look for possible sorting options in the second column to avoid affecting the first sort.
To make the idea clear, let’s apply it to the same dataset, as shown below:
Let’s suppose we want to sort data byColumn B (Class), but we also want the student with more wins out of multiple students of the same class to appear first, i.e., sortColumn C (Wins)in descending order. To get this output, the SORT function will look like this:
The final output is as follows:
As you can see, the data is sorted byClassin ascending order, butColumn Cis sorted in descending order according to the student with the most wins within a class. That’s what our problem statement aimed for.
Similar to how we sorted the data by two columns or conditions, you can specify as many conditions as you want tomake your sheets look professional, depending on how large your dataset is.
Lastly, do you think you are using Google Sheets to the fullest extent possible? You bet not! Manyhidden features in Google Sheets can help you use it like a prothat you might be unaware of.
Use the SORT Function to Make Your Data Easy to Navigate
We have shown you how to sort your data in Google Sheets by a single column or multiple columns using the SORT function. This will help you visualize your data and make it easier to understand.
In addition to using the SORT function, you may also manually sort columns in Google Sheets. If you don’t like using the SORT function, you can try manual methods.
We’ll show you how to sort and filter columns to organize data in your Google Sheets spreadsheet.
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