Excel is a powerful tool for organizing and analyzing data. It provides several functions that make it easy to sort data based on different criteria. In this article, we will explore how to sort data in Excel with the SORT function.

The SORT function is a new feature introduced in Excel 365. It allows you to sort data in a range or an array in ascending or descending order based on one or more criteria. Here’s how to use it.

Step 1: Select the Data Range

The first step is to select the data range you want to sort. Click and drag the mouse over the cells containing the data you want to sort. Make sure that you select all the columns and rows that contain the data you want to sort.

Step 2: Open the Formula Bar

Next, click on the formula bar to activate it. This is where you will enter the SORT function.

Step 3: Enter the SORT Function

In the formula bar, type =SORT( and then select the data range you want to sort. Make sure to include the entire range, including any headers. Separate each criterion with a comma.

Here’s an example of how to sort data based on two criteria:

=SORT(A1:D10,2,-1)

In this example, we’re sorting the range A1:D10 based on the second column (column B) in descending order (-1), and then based on the first column (column A) in ascending order (the default).

Step 4: Close the Function

Once you’ve entered all the criteria, close the function by typing a closing parenthesis. Your function should now look something like this:

=SORT(A1:D10,2,-1)

Step 5: Press Enter

Finally, press the Enter key to execute the function. Excel will now sort the data in the selected range based on your specified criteria.

Conclusion

Sorting data in Excel is an essential feature for organizing and analyzing large datasets. The SORT function makes it easy to sort data based on one or more criteria in ascending or descending order. By following the steps in this article, you can use this powerful function to sort your data like a pro.