How to Sort Two Columns in Excel?

Do you want to learn how to quickly and easily sort data in two columns of an Excel spreadsheet? Sorting columns in Excel can be a time-consuming task, but with the right techniques you can quickly and easily organize your data. In this article, we’ll show you step-by-step how to sort two columns in Excel so you can get the most out of your data.

Using Excel to Sort Two Columns

Sorting data in Excel can help you organize and make sense of large amounts of data. Excel provides a variety of tools and functions to help you quickly and easily sort two columns of data. In this article, we will discuss the various methods for sorting two columns of data in Excel.

The first method for sorting two columns of data in Excel is to use the Sort function. The Sort function allows you to quickly sort data in one column or multiple columns. To use the Sort function, select the range of cells you want to sort and then click Data > Sort. Select the column you want to sort and then click OK to sort the data.

The second method for sorting two columns of data in Excel is to use the Filter function. The Filter function allows you to quickly filter data in one column or multiple columns. To use the Filter function, select the range of cells you want to filter and then click Data > Filter. Select the column you want to filter and then click OK to filter the data.

Using the Sort Function

Using the Sort function is a quick and easy way to sort data in Excel. To use the Sort function, select the range of cells you want to sort and then click Data > Sort. Select the column you want to sort and then click OK to sort the data. You can also choose to sort by multiple columns and select the order in which the data should be sorted.

Using the Filter Function

Using the Filter function is a great way to quickly filter data in Excel. To use the Filter function, select the range of cells you want to filter and then click Data > Filter. Select the column you want to filter and then click OK to filter the data. You can also choose to filter by multiple columns and select the criteria for each column.

Using the Advanced Filter Function

The Advanced Filter function is a powerful tool for filtering data in Excel. To use the Advanced Filter function, select the range of cells you want to filter and then click Data > Advanced Filter. Select the column you want to filter and then click OK to filter the data. You can also choose to filter by multiple columns and select the criteria for each column.

Using the Custom Sort Function

The Custom Sort function allows you to quickly sort data in Excel using your own criteria. To use the Custom Sort function, select the range of cells you want to sort and then click Data > Custom Sort. Select the column you want to sort and then click OK to sort the data. You can also choose to sort by multiple columns and select the criteria for each column.

Using the Sort and Filter Tools

Using the Sort and Filter tools in Excel can help you quickly and easily sort and filter data. To use the Sort and Filter tools, select the range of cells you want to sort and then click Data > Sort and Filter. Select the column you want to sort or filter and then click OK to sort or filter the data. You can also choose to sort by multiple columns and filter by multiple criteria.

Using the Excel Table Feature

Using the Excel Table feature is a great way to quickly sort and filter data in Excel. To use the Excel Table feature, select the range of cells you want to sort and then click Insert > Table. Select the column you want to sort and then click OK to sort the data. You can also choose to sort by multiple columns and filter by multiple criteria.

Using the Conditional Formatting Feature

Using the Conditional Formatting feature in Excel is a great way to quickly highlight important data. To use the Conditional Formatting feature, select the range of cells you want to format and then click Home > Conditional Formatting. Select the column you want to format and then click OK to format the data. You can also choose to format by multiple columns and select the criteria for each column.

Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do I sort two columns in Excel?

A1: To sort two columns in Excel, you need to select both columns by clicking and dragging your mouse over them. Then, click the “Data” tab on the ribbon, and select “Sort” from the “Sort & Filter” group. In the “Sort” window, select the columns you want to sort by and the order (ascending or descending). Finally, click “OK” to complete the sorting.

Q2: What should I do if the two columns have different data types?

A2: If the two columns have different data types (e.g., one is a number and the other is a text string), you need to select both columns and click the “Data” tab on the ribbon. Then, click “Text to Columns” from the “Data Tools” group. In the “Convert Text to Columns” window, select the data type for each column, and click “Finish” to complete the conversion. Then, you can sort the two columns as described in the previous answer.

Q3: What if I want to sort the data by multiple columns?

A3: If you want to sort the data by multiple columns, you can select both columns and click the “Data” tab on the ribbon. Then, select “Sort” from the “Sort & Filter” group. In the “Sort” window, select the columns you want to sort by and the order (ascending or descending). You can add additional columns to sort by by clicking the “Add Level” button. Finally, click “OK” to complete the sorting.

Q4: How do I sort the data in reverse order?

A4: To sort the data in reverse order, you need to select both columns and click the “Data” tab on the ribbon. Then, select “Sort” from the “Sort & Filter” group. In the “Sort” window, select the columns you want to sort by and select the “Descending” option for each column. Finally, click “OK” to complete the sorting.

Q5: How do I sort the data alphabetically?

A5: To sort the data alphabetically, you need to select both columns and click the “Data” tab on the ribbon. Then, select “Sort” from the “Sort & Filter” group. In the “Sort” window, select the columns you want to sort by and select the “A to Z” option for each column. Finally, click “OK” to complete the sorting.

Q6: How do I sort the data by date or time?

A6: To sort the data by date or time, you need to select both columns and click the “Data” tab on the ribbon. Then, select “Sort” from the “Sort & Filter” group. In the “Sort” window, select the columns you want to sort by and select the “Oldest to Newest” or “Newest to Oldest” option for each column. Finally, click “OK” to complete the sorting.

How to Do Multi level sorting in Excel (by two Columns)

Learning how to sort two columns in Excel can help you quickly organize and analyze your data. With the right approach and a few simple steps, you can easily sort two columns in Excel and take advantage of its analytical capabilities. The ability to sort two columns in Excel can be a powerful tool that can help you make better decisions and achieve better results. From sorting your data alphabetically to quickly finding duplicates, Excel can make your data analysis much easier.