To Sort Pivot Table in Google Sheets works very differently compared to Microsoft Excel. Simply navigate to the Pivot table editor and use the Sort by function. It is possible to sort Pivot table rows by multiple fields and summarized values.
Pivot tables are the best way for you to organize and summarize data in both Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel.
In this article, let’s quickly learn how to sort Pivot tables in Google Sheets.
Make sure to read the article until the end so you won’t miss any steps for future reference.
How to Sort Pivot Table Rows in Ascending or Descending Order in Google Sheets
Google Sheets automatically sorts the data in the first column in ascending order when you use the Pivot Table. Let us learn to apply sorting in any column of the Pivot Table rows in both ascending and descending order.
Please consider downloading the example Google Sheet with the data we have used to demonstrate the sorting Pivot Table rows in this article. Click Here!
Our data set consists of 244 records and nine fields for your analysis.
Or else, if you have your own Google Sheet ready, then let’s begin,
Step #1 – Open the Pivot Table Editor
Here is an example of the Pivot Table, as shown in the following image.
You will see a Pivot Table editor by default on the right side of the screen. If you don’t, then follow the steps below.
Click anywhere on the Pivot Table or simply hover over it. You are supposed to see an edit icon, as shown in the following image. Click on that to open the Pivot Table editor.
Step #2 – Understand the interface of the Pivot Table Editor
Pivot Table editor contains two areas: Control Panel and Columns Navigator.
The control panel allows you to adjust your pivot table by adding rows, columns, values, and filters. We will not discuss changing these dimensions to get the exact report/table you want because it is a different topic that needs to be covered separately.
Secondly, the columns navigator area includes a list of columns from the raw data set.
If you have many columns, you can use the search bar at the top to find the columns using their header. You can add these column fields to the control panel’s dimensions and values areas by dragging and dropping them.
Step #3 – Sort the Pivot Table Rows in Ascending and Descending Order
After arranging the column fields in the respective dimensions and values of the Pivot Table, navigate to the “Rows” in the control panel of the Pivot Table editor and locate the “Order” option.
Below the Order option, you will see a dropdown that lets you sort the table in ascending and descending order.
Note that the sorting is applied in ascending order by default to the first column. In our case, with the current data, the sorting is applied to the column named “Product.”
We all are interested in sorting the Pivot Table by the values.
To do that, you need to use the second option, “Sort by,” beside the “Order” option you used above.
Exactly below the “Sort by” option, you will see a dropdown that lets you sort the Pivot Table by all the available columns in ascending and descending order.
Click on it, and you will find two options:
- Product
- Sum of TotalPrice
Here, you need to click on “Sum of TotalPrice.”
SIDENOTE: If you won’t be using our example Google Sheet, then the above options may vary in your case as you will have a different dataset.
Can I sort Pivot Table Columns in Ascending or Descending Order in Google Sheets?
It works similarly to sorting Pivot Table rows, as discussed in the above section.
The only difference is that you will work with the “Columns” dimension of the Pivot Table editor instead of “Rows.”
So, let’s begin to learn to sort Pivot Table columns in Google Sheets.
Step #1 – Open the Pivot Table Editor
Go to the spreadsheet containing the Pivot Table.
The Pivot Table editor will be displayed on the right side of the screen by default.
If you don’t see it, you must open it manually by following the steps below.
Click anywhere on the Pivot Table or simply hover over it.
You are supposed to see an edit icon, as shown in the following image. Click on that to open the Pivot Table editor.
Step #2 – Sort the Pivot Table Columns in Ascending and Descending Order
Navigate to the “Columns” in the control panel of the Pivot Table editor and locate the “Order” option.
There is a dropdown for sorting the columns in ascending and descending order below the Order option.
Note that this sorting applies to the first row in an ascending order by default.
However, we are all interested in sorting the Pivot Table by the values. In this case, by “Sum of TotalPrice.”
You can do that by using the second option, “Sort by,” which sits beside the “Order” option you used before.
By clicking on the dropdown, you will find two options:
- Product
- Sum of TotalPrice
Here, you need to choose “Sum of TotalPrice.”
SIDENOTE: If you won’t be using our example Google Sheet, then the above options may vary in your case as you will have a different dataset. However, the concept is still the same across all data sheets.
Conclusion on How to Sort Pivot Table in Google Sheets
Pivot Table is Google Sheets, one of the powerful features that enables users to extract and summarize the essential data in a minute.
Mastering this essential tool will let you play around with large data sets containing thousands of rows and columns.
Sorting is one of the critical features of Pivot Tables; it helps you with data organization.
I hope this article taught you how to sort Pivot Table rows and columns.
Please comment below if you still need clarification or are stuck somewhere while sorting the Pivot Tables.