How To Sort By Month In Google Sheets

When it comes to efficiently managing and analyzing data, the ability to sort by month in Google Sheets proves to be an invaluable skill. Google Sheets, a user-friendly spreadsheet application, offers an array of functions designed to help you seamlessly organize information.

One handy function is the capability to sort by month, a process that can illuminate patterns, trends, and insights within your data.

In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step guidance, specifically tailored for beginners, on how to sort by month in Google Sheets.

Scenario/Use Case

Imagine you’re at the helm of a flourishing small business, diligently recording each sale in a Google Sheets spreadsheet. This sheet comprises columns denoting the sale date, the specific product, and the corresponding revenue.

As your business gains momentum, you realize the necessity of comprehending your sales trends over the course of a year. This is precisely where the feature to sort by month in Google Sheets takes center stage.

By leveraging the ability to sort by month, you can promptly discern peak-performing months, identify recurring seasonal trends, and make informed decisions concerning inventory management and marketing strategies.

Instead of grappling with an extensive list of sales entries, you’ll gain access to a methodically arranged breakdown that visually encapsulates your sales performance on a month-by-month basis. To unravel this process, let’s delve into the sequential steps.

Sort By Month In Google Sheets: Practical Examples

Now that we’ve explained what it means to sort by month in Google Sheets, let’s dive into some real-life examples to clarify things. By walking through these examples, you’ll become more comfortable with the process of sorting by month in Google Sheets.

We will use the following sample data for our first example:

From the sample data above, you can clearly see that the column for date is scattered. Let’s bring some sanity to that data by sorting by month in Google Sheets.

Step 1: Select The Range Of Data You Want To Sort

Start by selecting the range of data you want to sort. For us, we will select the entire data in our spreadsheet.

It should look something like this:

Step 2: Data > Sort Range > Sort Range By Column (A to Z)

With the range of data we want to sort now selected, let’s get to the interesting part. Navigate to the Data menu and select the option for Sort Range. From the option available, select Sort range by column A (A to Z).

Once you’ve chosen the “Sort range by column A (A to Z)” option, Google Sheets will automatically sort the dates in ascending order.

If you’ve gone through the steps just like we explained, your data should be organized just the way you intended.

Now, have a look at how ours turned out:

Now, that’s how you can sort by month in Google Sheets. That wasn’t too hard, was it?

How to sort by month in Google Sheets Using the Sort function

In addition to the method we’ve discussed earlier, Google Sheets offers another way to sort your data by month – using the SORT function. This method provides more flexibility and control over how you sort your data. Let’s explore how to use the SORT function to achieve this.

Understanding the SORT Function

The SORT function in Google Sheets allows you to organize your data in a custom order. It’s a formula you can use in a separate column to create a sorted version of your data without altering the original arrangement.

Ready to learn how to sort by month in Google Sheets using the sort function? Stay with us as we go over this practical example together.

For this section, we will use the same sample data we used in our previous example.

With our sample data now figured out, let’s review the steps together.

Step 1: Select A Blank Cell Where You Want Your Data Sorted

Let’s begin by selecting a blank cell where you want your data sorted to. For this example, we will use cell E2.

Step 2: Type In The Sort Formula

After selecting the cell where we want our data sorted to, we now need to type in the Sort function. To do that, head to the formula bar and type in the following formula:

=Sort(A2:C14,A2:A14,TRUE)

Step 3: Hit Enter

Once you’ve entered the sort formula, the next step is simple. Press the “Enter” key on your keyboard, and like magic, Google Sheets will take over. It will sort your data according to your formula and display the sorted result in your selected cell.

If you’ve followed the steps exactly as we explained earlier, your sheet should now look something like this:

Take a moment to examine the image above. It’s quite evident that the months have been rearranged in ascending order. Now, you see how easy it is to sort by month in Google Sheets using the Sort function.

By following the simple steps outlined above, you can seamlessly transform a jumble of dates into an organized sequence that helps you grasp the patterns and trends within your data.

Final Thoughts

In the world of data management and analysis, being able to sort information efficiently is a cornerstone skill. Through the methods we’ve explored, you’ve now gained the ability to sort by month in Google Sheets, a capability that can bring valuable insights to the forefront and streamline your decision-making process.

From the straightforward approach of directly sorting your data to the more versatile option of employing the SORT function, you have a toolkit at your disposal.

The direct sorting method allows you to quickly organize your data for a clear overview. On the other hand, the SORT function empowers you to customize your sorting criteria, revealing trends and patterns that might have otherwise remained hidden.

Whether you’re a small business owner analyzing sales, a student working with project deadlines, or anyone dealing with time-based data, sorting by month is a skill that can make your work more comprehensible and impactful.

Remember, each step we’ve outlined is designed with beginners in mind, ensuring you can navigate Google Sheets easily and confidently.

As you practice these methods, you’ll find that your data transforms from mere numbers and dates into a strategic tool, guiding your decisions and highlighting opportunities.