Four sorting methods — from the basics to dynamic formula-based sorting that updates automatically.
Click any cell in the column you want to sort by → Data → Sort A to Z (ascending) or Sort Z to A (descending). The entire table re-sorts based on that column.
Data → Sort. This opens a dialog where you can add multiple sort levels. Sort by Region first, then by Amount within each region:
Excel processes sort levels top to bottom — the first level is the primary sort.
Returns a sorted copy of a range as a formula output. The original data stays unchanged and the sorted output updates when data changes.
=SORT(A2:C50, 3, -1)
-- Sort the range A2:C50 by the 3rd column, descending (-1)
-- 1 = ascending, -1 = descendingSort one range based on a separate column — even one not included in the output.
=SORTBY(A2:A20, C2:C20, -1)
-- Return names in column A, sorted by scores in column C, highest first
-- Column C doesn't appear in the outputIn a dashboard or report, use SORT or SORTBY instead of the Sort button. Formula-based sorting updates automatically when new data is added — no need to re-sort manually.
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