How to Use Multiple Sorting Options in Excel

Sort Using Cell Icons

Sort based on Cell icons in Excel

Beginning with Excel 2007, the Sorting Commands gained several new features and became much more powerful. For example, you are no longer limited to three levels of sorting. You can sort using as many levels as you need. In addition, you can now sort by Cell or Font Colors and also sort using the new Cell Icons.

While I was training one of my clients last week, several questions about sorting came up. So, in this video I will demonstrate several of the new features as well as showing you how to take advantage of many sorting options that have been around for some time. For example, using a Horizontal Sort to quickly rearrange the order of your columns!

Sorting Options on Video Tutorial

Here are the sorting options that I demonstrate on my video:

  • Sort on Values using a Custom List
    • First, I use a built-in custom list (Months of the Year).
    • Next, I demonstrate how to create a custom list that you can use with AutoFill and also with custom sorting.
  •  Sort data based upon Cell Icon
    • Cell Icons were introduced in Excel 2007 as part of the major upgrade to Conditional Formatting.
  • Sort Horizontally to quickly rearrange the order of your columns (fields) in your data set.
    • This feature has been available for many years. However, in my experience, very few people are aware of its existence.
    • Once you  learn this technique, you can stop the tedious task process of Insert Column, Cut Column, Paste Column, Delete Column, etc.

Shop for Excel Training Resources

I invite you to visit my secure online shopping website – http://shop.thecompanyrocks.com –   where I offer a range of video training resources for all of the Microsoft Office Programs.

Watch My Video in High Definition

Follow this link to watch my video in High Definition on my YouTube Channel – DannyRocksExcels

Rearrange Your Columns – Sort from Left to Right

Did you know that you can sort data from Left to Right in Excel? In my experience, most people do not realize that you can.

Have you ever been asked  – or wanted – to rearrange your columns in Excel? Probably, yes. This is a fairly common request. And, if you are like most Excel users, you insert a blank column and then “Cut and Paste” to arrange your columns the way that you want them.

STOP!

There is an easier way to rearrange your columns of data – Learn to “Sort Across Columns.” Sort your data from Left to Right.

Watch this short Excel Video Lesson to learn how:

Here are the steps to follow in this lesson:

  1. Insert a blank “dummy row” above your Column Headers Row (if necessary).
  2. Place a number (1, 2, 3, etc.) in each cell in the “dummy row.” This will indicate the order you want to rearrange your columns in from Left to Right.
  3. Select a cell in your data set. Select Data – Sort.
  4. Check, “MY Data Range has NO Headers.”
  5. Click, OPTIONS and select “Sort from Left to Right.” Click OK and Click OK.

Looking for help with a specific Excel problem? Search my Index of Excel Video Lessons by Category or by Keyword.

News! My DVD, “The 50 Best Tips for Excel 2007” is now available to purchase. I invite you to visit my online bookstore for more details.

Related Video Lessons

NEW! Download The Excel Workbook used in this video lesson:

rearrange-columns