Sorting numbers in Google Sheets is a piece of cake! Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone trying to organize data, this guide will show you how to quickly sort numerical data in your spreadsheet. You’ll learn how to arrange numbers in ascending or descending order, which can be super helpful when analyzing data or trying to make sense of a large list of figures.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Sort by Number in Google Sheets
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to know that sorting your data can help you spot trends, make comparisons, and keep your data neat and tidy. Let’s get started with the steps!
Step 1: Select the Data Range
Click and drag to highlight the cells containing the numbers you want to sort.
Selecting the right data range is crucial because it tells Google Sheets exactly which numbers you want to organize. Make sure you’re not including any headers or labels unless you want them to be sorted as well.
Step 2: Open the Data Menu
Click on “Data” in the toolbar at the top of your screen.
This is where all the magic happens. The Data menu is your gateway to various tools that can manipulate your spreadsheet’s data.
Step 3: Choose ‘Sort Range’
Select ‘Sort range’ from the drop-down menu.
By clicking on ‘Sort range’, you’re telling Google Sheets you’re ready to organize your selected numbers.
Step 4: Decide the Sort Order
Choose whether you want to sort the numbers in ascending or descending order.
Think about how you want to view your data. Do you want the smallest numbers at the top (ascending) or the largest numbers (descending)?
Step 5: Apply the Sort
Click “Sort” to rearrange the numbers in the chosen order.
Once you hit that Sort button, Google Sheets will do its thing and organize your numbers just the way you asked it to.
After you’ve completed these steps, your numbers will be neatly sorted. This can help you analyze your data more effectively, as you’ll have a clear view of the lowest and highest values, as well as everything in between.
Tips for Sorting by Number in Google Sheets
- Double-check that you’ve selected only the numbers you want to sort. Including extra cells by accident can mess up your data.
- Remember that sorting data is irreversible once you’ve saved the changes, so be sure you want to sort before you do it.
- If your numbers have leading zeros (like 001, 002, etc.), Google Sheets might treat them as text. Make sure they’re formatted as numbers to sort them correctly.
- Use the “Undo” feature (Ctrl + Z) if you sort the data incorrectly and need to revert to the original order.
- Consider creating a copy of your data before sorting, just in case you need to reference the original order later on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I want to sort multiple columns at the same time?
If you have related data in multiple columns, you can sort them together by selecting “Sort range by column A-Z” or “Sort range by column Z-A” from the Data menu. This ensures that the rows stay together as the data is sorted.
How do I sort by number but keep rows together?
Make sure to highlight the entire row(s) before sorting, not just the cells with numbers. This keeps all the related data in each row intact as the numbers are sorted.
Can I sort my data based on multiple criteria?
Yes, Google Sheets allows you to sort by multiple columns. Use the “Sort range” feature and then click “Add another sort column” to define additional sorting rules.
Why are my numbers not sorting correctly?
Ensure that your numbers are formatted as numbers and not as text. You can check the formatting by clicking on “Format” and then “Number.”
Can I sort numbers in a custom order, like smallest to largest, then by date?
Google Sheets allows for custom sorting sequences. You’ll need to create a helper column that defines the custom order, then sort using that column as your primary criteria.
Summary
- Select the Data Range
- Open the Data Menu
- Choose ‘Sort Range’
- Decide the Sort Order
- Apply the Sort
Conclusion
Sorting numbers in Google Sheets is an essential skill for anyone working with data. It’s a simple process that can make your data much easier to read and analyze. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to sort your numbers quickly and accurately. Whether you’re using this feature for personal projects, school assignments, or professional work, mastering how to sort by number in Google Sheets can save you time and help you derive meaningful insights from your data.
Remember to always double-check your data range and be mindful of the order you want to achieve. And don’t forget those handy tips—they can be a real lifesaver when you’re in a sorting bind! So go ahead, give it a try, and watch your numbers fall into place with just a few clicks. Happy sorting!
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.