Sorting Data in a Microsoft Worksheet 2016

Sorting data is one of the most useful features in Microsoft Excel 2016. It helps you organize your information so you can find what you need quickly. Whether you’re working with names, numbers, or dates, sorting makes your worksheet easier to understand and analyze.

Why Sorting Data Matters

When your worksheet grows, finding specific details can become tricky. Sorting helps you arrange data alphabetically, numerically, or by date. It’s a simple way to make your data neat and more readable.

Types of Sorting in Excel 2016

• Sort Sheet: This sorts the entire worksheet based on one column while keeping each row’s information together.
• Sort Range: This option sorts only the selected part of your worksheet, leaving the rest unchanged.

How to Sort Data Using the Sort Dialog Box

This method gives you more control over how your data is sorted.

1. Select your data: Click and drag to select the range of cells you want to sort.
2. Go to the “Data” tab: You’ll find this at the top of the Excel ribbon.
3. Click “Sort”: This opens the Sort dialog box.
4. Choose the column: From the “Sort by” dropdown, pick the column you want to organize.
5. Check headers: If your data has headers, make sure the “My data has headers” box is checked.
6. Set the order: Choose “A to Z,” “Z to A,” “Smallest to Largest,” or “Oldest to Newest.”
7. Click OK: Your data will now be sorted according to your choices.

Quick Sorting a Single Column

If you want a fast and easy way to sort one column, here’s what you can do:

• Select a cell: Click any cell within the column you want to sort.
• Use the Ribbon: Go to the “Data” tab and click “A to Z” (ascending) or “Z to A” (descending).
• Or Right-click: Right-click the selected cell, choose “Sort,” then pick the sorting option you want.

How to Sort an Entire Sheet

1. Select a cell in the column you want to sort by.
2. Click the Data tab.
3. Choose Sort A to Z or Sort Z to A.
4. Excel will sort the whole worksheet based on that column.

How to Sort a Specific Range

1. Select the range of cells you want to sort.
2. Click Data → Sort.
3. In the Sort box, choose the column to sort by.
4. Pick ascending or descending order.
5. Click OK to apply the sort to just that range.

Sorting by Multiple Levels

Sometimes, you may want to sort by more than one column — for example, by department first and then by employee name. Here’s how:

1. Select a cell in your data range.
2. Go to Data → Sort.
3. Choose the first column in the “Sort by” box.
4. Click Add Level to include another column.
5. Select the second column and click OK.

You can also use the Move Up or Move Down buttons to adjust sorting priority.

Custom Sorting

If you want a unique order — for example, sorting months as “Jan, Feb, Mar” — you can create a custom list:

1. Select a cell in your data range.
2. Go to Data → Sort.
3. In the Sort dialog box, choose Custom List under the “Order” dropdown.
4. Enter your list items in the correct order.
5. Click Add and then OK.

5 FAQs on Sorting Data in Microsoft Worksheet 2016

Conclusion

Sorting data in Microsoft Excel 2016 is a simple yet powerful tool. It helps you clean up and organize information so you can work faster and make better decisions. Whether you’re arranging numbers, names, or dates, sorting brings order to your worksheet with just a few clicks.