Google Sheets offers powerful features for sorting and filtering spreadsheets. You can sort data based on alphabets, numbers, and colors. For numbers, the quickest method is to use the Filter tool and sort them using the first two options: Sort A to Z and Sort Z to A.
Numbers are an incredible way of data organization and visualization!
If you want to improve your data analysis capabilities using Google Sheets, you have come to the right place.
In this quick guide, we will learn to sort by numbers in Google Sheets. Ensure to read the article until the end, as it contains helpful information about built-in features and tools that can help you sort other types of data, including alphabets.
Here is a list of methods you can use to sort data numerically. Click on any click to jump to that particular section.
Copy the Example Google Sheet
Consider copying the following Google Sheet to practice the different methods discussed in this article. It will help you better understand the formulas and functions discussed in the following sections.
Or else, if you have your own Google Sheet ready to sort data by numbers, follow me along as we move through this article.
How to Sort by Number in Google Sheets using Filters
It is the quickest method compared to the other two discussed in this article for sorting the dataset by numbers.
You don’t need any special skills or knowledge of Google Sheet formulas to use this method.
Task: Sort the following table by the annual salary of the employees. The table contains records for 20 employees, including their names and departments.
Here are steps to use the Filters option in Google Sheets to sort the data by Numbers.
- Open the Google Sheets
- Click on any cell of the table
- Go to the toolbar section sitting below the main menu
- Click on the Filter icon as shown in the above image
- You will see a funnel icon appear beside every header of the table. Refer to the following image
- Click on that funnel icon to see sorting and filtering options in Google Sheets
- Next, you need to choose the first option, “Sort A to Z,” from the popup
You might have noticed that you have two options at the top: “Sort A to Z” and “Sort Z to A” when you click the funnel icon.
- Sort A to Z – This lets you sort numbers in ascending order
- Sort Z to A – It allows you to sort numbers in descending order
If you want to sort the data using Google Sheets quickly, then Filters is your best option.
How to Sort by Number in Google Sheets using the SORT function
The SORT function is one of the most powerful array formulas in Google Sheets. It is useful for organizing and analyzing complex datasets.
It allows you to create a dynamic dataset that auto-updates whenever you edit or add something to the main table. In other words, the SORT function eliminates the need to apply filters whenever you add new records or edit existing ones.
The general syntax for the SORT function,
=SORT(range, sort_column, is_ascending)Here is how to deal with the different arguments of the SORT function,
- “range” needs to be replaced with the table or column range you wish to sort
- “sort_column” Here, you need to put the column number you plan to sort.
- “is_ascending” This argument decides the sorting for the table. You can either type “true” or “false” to sort the data in ascending and descending order.
Let’s see how we can use the SORT function to sort by number. Note that we are referring to the same task and table we used in the first method.
- Open the Google Sheet
- Create a new table for the dynamic dataset as shown below
- Select the first cell right below the first header
- Type “=sort”
- Choose the first option from the popup or press “Tab” on your keyboard
- Select the entire table range, but make sure you do not include the headers, as shown below
- Press “,” on your keyboard to move to the next argument
- Annual Salary is at the third position. So, we will put the column number as “3”
- Press “,” again
- Type “True” as we are planning to sort the Annual Salary column in ascending order
- Complete the bracket using “)”
- Press “Enter” on your keyboard
It will instantly create a new dynamic table.
As the SORT function is an array formula, avoid editing or adding new records to the dynamic table because it will instantly make your dynamic table disappear.
How to Sort by Number in Google Sheets using the Sort Range Tool
It is the third method on this list, which you can use if you don’t wish to create a separate dynamic table using the SORT function.
Here are the steps to use the Sort Range tool to sort datasets by numbers,
- Open the Google Sheet
- Click on any cell of the table
- Select the entire table by pressing “CTRL + A” on your keyboard
- Hover to the main menu and click on “Data” tab
- Select the option “Sort range” from the popup
- Click on “Advanced range sorting options.”
- A new dialog box will be opened
- Tick the box before the option “Data has header row.”
- Click on the dropdown beside the “Sort by” option and select Annual Salary
- Tick the circle before the “A to Z” option to sort the data in ascending order
- Click on the “Sort” button
You must select the entire table or column, as mentioned in the third step above while using the Sort Range tool. Otherwise, the “Sort range” option will be grayed out and won’t be accessible. Refer to the following image.
Conclusion
That’s it.
Both Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel are convenient and easy to use when it comes to Sorting the data from the spreadsheet.
I hope you learned all the available options to sort by numbers in Google Sheets. It is pretty straightforward, I know.
But still, if you have any doubts or are stuck somewhere while using any of the methods discussed above to sort the dataset by numbers, feel free to comment below. I look forward to answering all your questions as soon as possible.
Refer to our blog for more tips on mastering Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel.