Learning how to sort in Google Sheets and how to filter in Google Sheets can significantly streamline your workflow. Sorting data in Google Sheets is a crucial task that can help you manage and analyze information more efficiently. If you’re organizing a list of contacts, tracking sales figures, or analyzing survey responses, knowing how to sort in Google Sheets can save you time and effort.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to sort in Google Sheets, including how to sort by column. By the end, you’ll have the skills needed to quickly and effectively sort your data, ensuring you can access the information you need with ease.

What is Sorting and Filtering in Google Sheets

Google Sheets can help you to sort and filter the data effectively. Sorting lets you organize your information quickly and easily. Imagine you have a list of people with their name, age, and location and you want to organize them in Alphabetical order. That’s where sorting comes works. This is especially useful for large datasets. And it will save you time and make the content accurate.

Types of Sorting

Excel offers many ways to arrange your data, making it easier to analyze and find what you’re looking for. Here are the common sorting methods on how to sort google sheets.

• Ascending Order (A to Z or smallest to largest)
• Descending Order (Z to A or largest to smallest)
• Multi-Level Sorting
• Custom Sorting
• Sort by Format (Cell Color, Font Color, or Icon Sets)

How to Sort in Google Sheet

Sorting in Google Sheets is not that tough. It is a simple process and just followed by a few simple steps. Here’s the step-by-step procedure with the image given below for your reference to know how to sort numbers in Google Sheets from highest to lowest

Step 1: Open your Google sheet

Open your Google Sheets document containing the data you want to sort.

Open Google Sheets

Step2: Select the range of cells you want to sort

After opening the Google sheet, you need to select the range of cells you want to sort. You can do this by clicking and dragging your mouse/cursor over the desired cells.

Select the range of cells

Step 3: Locate the ‘Data’ menu in the toolbar

Once you’ve selected the range, navigate to the toolbar at the top of the screen and locate the “Data” menu.

Locate the ‘Data” menu in the toolbar

Step 4: In the ‘Data’ menu, select ‘sort range’

Click on the “Data” menu, and then select “Sort range” from the dropdown list. This will open the “Sort range” dialogue box.

Select sort range>> Toolbar

Step 5: Click on the ‘Sort range by column’ dialogue box

In the “Sort range” dialogue box, you’ll see a dropdown menu labeled “Sort range by column.” Here, you can choose the column by which you want to sort your data. Click on the dropdown menu and select the column you want to use as the sorting criteria.

Choose sort by >> sort range

Step 6: Choose the option of ‘A to Z’ or ‘Z to A’

Next, you’ll see another dropdown menu labeled “sort range from.” This is where you specify whether you want to sort your data in ascending (A, 1-9) or descending (Z-A, 9-1) order. Choose the appropriate option based on your preference.

Choose Ascending or Descending order

Step 7: Click on the ‘Sort’ button

Once you’ve selected the column and order, click on the “Sort” button. Google Sheets will rearrange your data according to your specifications.

Click on Sort

How to Sort and Filter Data in Google Sheets

Alphabetizing in Google Sheets is all about getting your data in A-Z order. Google Workspace gives us a platform where we can do these things very easily. Here’s how to do it in two ways:

How to Sort a Single Column

Step 1: Select the Column

Step 2: Select Sort Sheet and Choose Select Sort by Column

Select Sort Sheet

Step 3: Preview Results

Preview Results

How to Sort a Whole Sheet or Specific Range

Step 1: Select the Whole Sheet

Step 2: Select Sort Sheet and Choose Select Sort by Column

Step 3: Preview Results

How to Sort by Date in Google Sheets

To sort by date in Google Sheets, like organizing your to-do list by deadline! Here’s how to do the same. There are two easy ways:

Step 1: Select the Column

Step 2: Select Sort Sheet and Click on Advanced Range Sorting Option

Select Sort Sheet >> Advanced Range Sorting Option

Step 3: Click on “Sort”

Click on “Sort”

Step 4: Preview Result

How to Filter in Google Sheets

Step 1: Select the Range

Select the Range

Step 2: Go to the Data Tab and Select Add Filter

Click on “Create Filter”

Step 3: Click on the Filter Icon

Click on the “Filter”

Step 4: Add Filter as Needed

Preview Results

Tips for Effective Sorting

• Before you sort your data, make sure it’s well-organized. If there are empty rows or columns, it can mess up the sorting.
• Use clear headers for your columns so they can easily be visible so you can select the data you want to sort.
• You can sort by more than one column at a time just by choosing all the columns you want to sort together.
• If your data has numbers, make sure they’re formatted correctly. This means using decimal points and commas properly.
• Try different ways of sorting to see what works best for you. Google Sheets has lots of options, like custom sorts and sorting by color. Try out new features and explore more.

What is Filtering in Google Sheets

Filtering in Google Sheets is a powerful way to manage and analyze your data. By applying filters, you can quickly narrow down your data to see only the information you need.

How to Sort in Google Sheet Mobile App

Follow the Below steps to Sort in Google Sheet Using Mobile App:

Step 1: Open Google Sheet App

Step 2: Select your Sheet

Select your Sheet

Step 3: Tap the three vertical dots (menu) in the top right corner.

Tap Three Dots

Step 4: Select “Create Filter” from the menu options.

Select “Filter”

Step 5: Choose your Sorting Order

Sort Z-A or A-Z

Choose your Sorting Order

How to Sort Without Mixing Data

• Select all columns containing related data.
• Tap the three dots, then Data.
• Sort as needed, ensuring the entire range is selected so rows remain intact

Also Read

• How to Add Filter in Google Sheets
• How to Insert Shapes in Google Docs

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering how to sort on Google Sheets is a fundamental skill that can greatly enhance your ability to manage and analyze data. Being able to sort in Google Sheets allows you to organize your information in a way that makes it easier to find patterns, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions. Additionally, knowing how to filter in Google Sheets adds another layer of functionality, enabling you to quickly isolate specific subsets of data based on your criteria. By combining sorting and filtering techniques, you can transform a cluttered spreadsheet into a well-ordered, insightful resource. Whether you are managing simple lists or complex datasets, these skills will help you stay organized and efficient, ensuring that your data is always working for you.

How to Sort and Filter Data in Google Sheets – FAQs

How to use filter and sort together?

Follow the steps given below:

• Select the Range
• Turn on Filter
• Apply Filters
• Sort the Filtered Data

How can we sort and filter data in a sheet?

To sort and filter data in a sheet:

• Select the Range
• Turn on Filter
• Apply Filters
• Sort the Data

How do I filter content in Google Sheets?

To filter content in Google Sheets:

• Select the Range
• Turn on Filter
• Choose Filter by values

How do I sort data in Google Sheets without mixing data?

Here are the steps:

• Select the Range
• Go to Data > Sort range.
• If your range includes headers, check Data has header row.
• Choose the column

What are Google Sheets filter multiple conditions?

To filter using multiple conditions in Google Sheets:

• Turn on Filter
• Set Multiple Filter Conditions
• Click the dropdown arrow
• Choose Filter by condition and select Custom formula is.
• Enter your custom formula