How to Sort by Multiple Columns in Google Spreadsheets

This wikiHow teaches you how to sort two or more columns of data based one column in Google Sheets.

Steps

  1. Image titled Sort by Multiple Columns in Google Spreadsheets Step 1
    1
    Open your Google spreadsheet. Go to https://sheets.google.com in your browser, then click your spreadsheet.
    • If you want to create a new spreadsheet instead, click Blank in the upper-left side of the page instead.
    • If you aren't logged into your Google account, you'll be prompted to sign in with your Google email address and password first.
  2. Image titled Sort by Multiple Columns in Google Spreadsheets Step 2
    2
    Select the columns you want to sort. Click and drag your mouse from the top cell in one column all the way over to the bottom cell in another column.[1]
    • The columns you want to sort must be next to each other.
    • If you opened a new spreadsheet, enter your data before continuing.
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  3. Image titled Sort by Multiple Columns in Google Spreadsheets Step 3
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    Click Data. This tab is at the top of the sheet.
  4. Image titled Sort by Multiple Columns in Google Spreadsheets Step 4
    4
    Click Sort range. You'll see this option in the middle of the drop-down menu.
  5. Image titled Sort by Multiple Columns in Google Spreadsheets Step 5
    5
    Select a column to sort by. Click the drop-down box to the right of the "sort by" prompt, then select a column to use as the basis for sorting.
    • For example: If you had names in column "A" and salaries in column "B", you would select column "A" to sort by name and column "B" to sort by money amount.
    • If the selected columns have a header in the first cell, check the "Data has a header row" box here as well.
  6. Image titled Sort by Multiple Columns in Google Spreadsheets Step 6
    6
    Select an order. You can pick ascending order (alphabetical/numerical order) by clicking A → Z, or you can click Z → A to sort in descending order.
    • If you'd like to add another sorting method, click the + Add another sort column link. You can remove extra sorting methods by clicking x to the left of the method.
  7. Image titled Sort by Multiple Columns in Google Spreadsheets Step 7
    7
    Click Sort. Doing so will sort all selected data according to the column you chose.
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Warnings

  • If there is an empty column between two columns you want to sort, the Sort range option will be greyed out.
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References

  1. ↑ https://support.google.com/docs/answer/3540681?hl=en&visit_id=1-636355742871440762-351987165&rd=1

About This Article

Jack Lloyd
Written by:
Jack Lloyd
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jack Lloyd. Jack Lloyd is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. He has over two years of experience writing and editing technology-related articles. He is technology enthusiast and an English teacher. This article has been viewed 281,743 times.
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Co-authors: 8
Updated: May 8, 2021
Views: 281,743
Categories: Featured Articles | Google Docs
Article SummaryX

1. Open your Google spreadsheet.
2. Select the columns you want to sort.
3. Click Data.
4. Click Sort range.
5. Select a column to sort by.
6. Select a sort order.
7. Click Sort.

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