Complete Guide to SORT Formula in Excel
Learn how to efficiently use the SORT function in Excel for better data management and analysis.
What is SORT Formula in Excel?
Basic Definition
The SORT formula in Excel is used to sort the contents of a range or array in ascending or descending order, based on one or more column values.
- Sorts data by rows or columns
- Can handle multiple sorting criteria
- Helps avoid common reference errors during sorting
- Enhances data management efficiency
Key Advantages
Eliminates the need for manual sorting, providing automatic updates
Facilitates a more organized data structure for analysis
Integrates seamlessly with other Excel functions for enhanced productivity
Function Syntax
SORT(array, [sort_index], [sort_order], [by_col])
array
The range or array to sort
sort_index (Optional)
The column or row index to sort by
sort_order (Optional)
1 for ascending, -1 for descending
by_col (Optional)
TRUE to sort by column, FALSE to sort by row
Common Issues
Sorting may cause reference errors if cells are linked.
Solution
Use INDIRECT to maintain references or copy data as values before sorting.
Usage Examples
Basic Example
Looking up contact phone number for a specified customer ID in customer data table
=XLOOKUP(A2, B2:B10, C2:C10)
Advanced Example
Cross-sheet lookup with multiple matching results
=XLOOKUP(A2, Sheet2!B:B, Sheet2!C:E, "Not Found", 0)
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Try NowTroubleshooting
#N/A Error
Common error when no match is found, can be handled by setting the if_not_found parameter
Data Type Mismatch
Ensure lookup value and range data types match
Performance Optimization
Use binary search mode to improve efficiency with large datasets
Function Comparison
| Feature | XLOOKUP | VLOOKUP | INDEX+MATCH |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lookup Direction | Bi-directional | Right only | Bi-directional |
| Multiple Column Return | Supported | Not supported | Supported |
| Error Handling | Built-in | Additional handling needed | Additional handling needed |
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