Removing sort filters in Excel is a handy skill for anyone who works with data. When you want to clear a sort, you’re essentially returning your spreadsheet to its original, unsorted state. It’s a simple process that can be completed in just a few clicks.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Remove Sort Filter in Excel
Before you start removing sort filters, it’s important to know that this will undo any sorting you’ve done on your data. Make sure this is what you want to do before proceeding.
Step 1: Select the Data
Click on any cell within the column that you have previously sorted.
Selecting the data tells Excel which column’s sort filter you want to remove. If you have sorted multiple columns, you’ll need to do this process for each one.
Step 2: Find the Sort & Filter Options
Go to the ‘Data’ tab on the ribbon and locate the ‘Sort & Filter’ group.
In the ‘Sort & Filter’ group, you’ll see options to sort data in various ways. This is also where you’ll find the option to clear a sort.
Step 3: Clear the Sort
Click on ‘Clear’ to remove the sort filter from your selected data.
Once you click ‘Clear’, Excel will immediately return the data to its original order. This action cannot be undone, so be certain that you want to clear the sort before clicking.
After completing these steps, your data will be back to its original, unsorted state. It’s as if you never sorted the column in the first place!
Tips on How to Remove Sort Filter in Excel
- Always double-check that you have selected the correct column before clearing a sort.
- Remember that clearing a sort cannot be undone, so make sure that’s what you want to do.
- If you only want to remove the sort from one column but have sorted by multiple columns, you will need to clear the sort for each column individually.
- If you accidentally clear a sort, you can quickly resort the data if you remember the original sort conditions.
- Use the ‘Undo’ button immediately if you clear a sort filter by mistake, but this only works if you haven’t performed any action after clearing the sort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a sort filter from multiple columns at once?
No, you have to remove sort filters one column at a time.
What happens if I clear a sort and then decide I need it back?
You can use the ‘Undo’ button or re-sort the data if you remember how it was sorted originally.
Will clearing a sort filter affect my filters?
No, clearing a sort filter will not affect any filters you have applied to your data.
Can I remove a sort filter from a table?
Yes, the process to remove a sort filter from a table is the same as for a range of cells.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to clear a sort?
There is no direct keyboard shortcut, but you can access the ‘Sort & Filter’ menu by pressing Alt, then D, then S, and navigating to ‘Clear’.
Summary
- Select the data.
- Find the Sort & Filter options.
- Clear the sort.
Conclusion
Removing a sort filter in Excel is a breeze once you know the steps. It’s all about selecting your data, finding the right options in the ‘Data’ tab, and clearing the sort. Remember, once you clear the sort, it’s gone for good unless you act quickly to undo it or resort your data. Whether you’re a data analyst or just someone trying to organize a personal project, knowing how to remove sort filter in excel can save you from a lot of headaches. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how easy it is to manage your data exactly how you want it.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.