# How To Sort Data in Google Sheets | Capterra | Capterra > Organize your data and learn how to sort that information in Google Sheets with these simple methods. Elevate your next SMB strategies through data-driven insights. Source: https://www.capterra.com/resources/how-to-sort-in-google-sheets --- IT & Software Development # How To Sort Data in Google Sheets: Simple Methods and Steps By Ester Deluna Ester Deluna Ester Deluna is a writer and content manager specializing in education, marketing/advertising, finance, and sales topics. She is a frequent contributor to tr... [See bio & all articles](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/ester-deluna/) Published September 28, 2023 5 min read Table of Contents - [Basic sorting methods](#basic-sorting-methods) - [Advanced sorting methods](#advanced-sorting-methods) - [Make business decisions with data-driven insights](#make-business-decisions-with-data-driven-insights) ## Learn how to accurately sort data in Google Sheets with these simple methods. Did you know that businesses with organized data are 35% more likely to make informed decisions faster?[\[1\]](#sources) As an SMB owner, data gives you an overview of how metrics behave, helping you make strategic business decisions. But how do you navigate without getting lost in the waves of numbers and information? Understanding how to sort in Google Sheets means you'll have access to valuable data insights that you can use to help you grow your business. ## Basic sorting methods When it comes to learning how to sort in Google Sheets, it's important to learn and master the basics. Be it organizing client names, ranking products by sales, or sequencing tasks, you have a plethora of sorting options. Learning these will give you a solid foundation before moving to the more advanced methods. ### 1\. How to sort by date Organizing your data through dates can help you gain useful business trends on a daily, weekly, or even monthly basis.  To start, ensure that the specific column was formatted correctly as a Date. You can check this by selecting the column you want to sort by date, click "Format" at the top menu, then select "Number" from the drop-down.  _"Date" should be highlighted. If not, then select it._ Photo Credit: Screenshot from the Author  Next, highlight the column that contains your dates. _Sample data range that contains Dates (Column A) and Names (Column B). Photo Credit: Screenshot from the Author_ Then, select "Data," from the top menu, and choose the option to "Sort range by column A (A-Z) or (Z-A)." _Select whether you want to sort your data by A-Z or Z-A._ Photo Credit: Screenshot from the Author ### 2\. How to sort by custom criteria One of the most useful techniques when learning how to sort in Google spreadsheet is to sort data by custom criteria. To sort data by custom criteria, follow these steps: First select and highlight the columns, rows, or cells that you want to sort.  Click "Data" from the top menu, and select "View more cell actions," and then "Sort range."  _Select "Sort Range" from the drop-down menu._ Photo Credit: Screenshot from the Author  Specify your sorting criteria based on these options:  - **Data has header row**: Check this option if you used a header to classify your data. - **Sort by**: This option allows you to select which specific column you can custom sort, even if you highlighted several columns.  - **Add another sort colum**n: You can also add another parameter, allowing you to arrange your data by sorting by more than one column. For example, by date and then value. _Specify your sorting criteria._ Photo Credit: Screenshot from the Author Once you've identified which columns you want to sort, select whether you want to sequence it alphabetically from "A-Z" or "Z-A." and press 'Sort'. ## Advanced sorting methods  Google Sheets' advanced sorting techniques offer accuracy, adaptability, and a suite of features that can help you organize your data. Learning how to sort in Google Sheets, especially with its advanced sorting features, allows you to sift through larger amounts of data more efficiently. ### How to sort by range You can also sort your data in Google Sheets using some advanced range sorting options. To enable this feature, select "Data" from the top menu then select "Sort range" from the drop-down menu. Next, click "Advanced sorting options." _To access the "Advanced Sorting options, go to "Data" from the top menu, then select "Sort range" from the drop-down menu._ Photo Credit: Screenshot from the Author After selecting "Advanced sorting options," you'll be led to a pop-out window that shows the sorting criteria options (this menu is similar to when sorting data through custom criteria).  _Specify your advanced sorting criteria._ Photo Credit: Screenshot from the Author Check the "Data has header row" if you're using a header for your data. If not, you may leave it unchecked.  Select the column you want to sort, and choose between arranging it alphabetically "A-Z" or "Z-A."  You may also add another sort column, which you can also choose to sequence differently from the previously selected column. Depending on your preferences on how you want to sort your Google Sheets data, you can continue to add more sort columns until you think you've organized your data well enough to suit your needs. ### How to sort by a formula For a more advanced option, Google Sheets offers pre-programmed formulas that can turn your data into a well-organized masterpiece. By leveraging functions like SORT() or QUERY(), you can set your data to sort autonomously based on set conditions. #### 1\. SORT() Function Imagine you have a list of products and their respective sales. Instead of manually sorting them, you can [use the SORT() function.](https://support.google.com/docs/answer/3093150?hl=en)[\[2\]](#sources) For instance, if your products are in column A and sales are in column B, the formula =SORT(A2:B10, 2, FALSE) will sort your products based on sales in descending order. #### 2\. QUERY() Function The [QUERY () function](https://support.google.com/docs/answer/3093343?hl=en&sjid=7276258234544616515-AP) is a versatile tool, especially when you want to filter and sort simultaneously.[\[3\]](#sources) Let's say you only want to see products that sold more than 100 units and want them sorted. If your data is in columns A and B, the formula =QUERY(A2:B10, "SELECT A, B WHERE B > 100 ORDER BY B DESC") will do the trick. This will display only those products that sold over 100 units, sorted in descending order of sales. For both of these functions, you must type the formula in the first cell where you want the sorted data to be shown. So, if your data range can be found in cells A1-A10 and B1-B10, then your formula should be placed in C1. ## Make business decisions with data-driven insights Now that you know how to sort in Google Sheets, you'll be able to organize and sort your business data, discover how you can leverage data-driven insights to help drive your business decisions. * * * Sources 1. [Impact of Using Big Data in Business Organizations](https://www.aeologic.com/blog/impact-of-using-big-data-in-business-organizations/), Aeologic Technologies 2. [Sort Function](https://support.google.com/docs/answer/3093150?hl=en), Google 3. [Query Function](https://support.google.com/docs/answer/3093343?hl=en&sjid=7276258234544616515-AP), Google * * * ### Was this article helpful? * * * ## About the Author [### Ester Deluna](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/ester-deluna/) Ester Deluna is a writer and content manager specializing in education, marketing/advertising, finance, and sales topics. 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