Managing and organizing large datasets can be a challenge, especially when you need to analyze or present data in a particular order. Google Sheets sort by multiple columns is a feature that allows you to arrange your data according to more than one criterion, offering a clearer view of patterns and trends. Whether you're handling sales reports, inventory lists, or any other dataset, mastering this feature will enhance your productivity and accuracy in data management.

Sorting data in Google Sheets can be done in multiple ways, depending on your specific needs. This article will guide you through various methods to achieve a Google sheet sorted by multiple columns, ensuring you can choose the best approach for your situation.

Method 1: Using the Sort Range Option

The Sort Range option is the most straightforward way to sort by multiple columns in Google Sheets. This method is particularly useful when you want to sort a specific section of your data without altering the entire sheet.

1. Select the Range: Highlight the data range you want to sort. Make sure to include the headers if you want them to stay aligned with the data.
   
   

   

2. Access the Sort Range Menu: Go to the Data menu at the top of your screen and select Sort range.
   
   

   

3. Sort by First Column: In the pop-up window, choose the column you want to sort first. For example, if you're sorting a list of employees, you might first sort by Department.
   
   

   

   
   

4. Add Another Sort Column: Click on Add another sort column to sort by a second criterion. For instance, after sorting by Department, you could sort by Employee Name within each department.
   
   

   

5. Apply the Sort: Click Sort to apply the sorting. Your data will now be sorted according to the order you specified, with each sort level nested within the previous one.
   
   

   

This method ensures that your data remains structured and easy to navigate, even when working with complex datasets.

Method 2: Using the Sort Function

For users who prefer a more dynamic approach, the Google Sheets sort function multiple columns offers an excellent alternative. This function allows you to create a live sort that automatically updates as your data changes.

1. Basic Sort Function: Start by selecting a cell where you want the sorted data to appear. Then, enter the formula and apply it to the entire column:
   
   

   =SORT(A2:F12, C2:C12, TRUE)

This example sorts the range C2 based on the third column (C). The TRUE value indicates ascending order; use FALSE for descending order.

2. Sorting by Multiple Columns: To sort by multiple columns, extend the function. For example, to sort first by Department (column C) and then by Employee Name (column B), use:
   
   

   =SORT(A2:F, C2:C, TRUE, B2:B, TRUE)

   
   

This function sorts the data first by Department and then by Employee Name within each department.

3. Nested Sorting: You can add more criteria by extending the formula with additional column references. This allows for complex sorting scenarios where multiple levels of data hierarchy need to be maintained.

Using the Google sheet sort by multiple columns function is ideal for cases where your data is frequently updated, as the sort will automatically refresh without needing manual intervention.

Method 3: Creating a Sort View

If you're working in a collaborative environment, creating a Sort View is a practical way to sort data without affecting how others see it. This method is particularly useful when multiple users need to sort the same data in different ways.

1. Enable Sort View: Click on Data in the menu, then select Create a filter. This adds filter arrows to the headers of your dataset.
   
   

   

2. Sort by First Column: Click the filter arrow in the header of the first column you want to sort.
   
   

   

3. Choose Sort A-Z or Sort Z-A depending on your preference.
   
   

   

4. Save the Sort View: Once your sort is set up, click Data again and choose Save as filter view. You can name this view and access it later without affecting other users' views.
   
   

   

   
   

5. Give a name to the view.
   

   

   
   

6. The column will be sorted.
   

   

Sort views allow each user to customize their data perspective without disrupting the shared sheet, making it a powerful feature in collaborative environments.

Conclusion

Learning how to sort by several columns in Google Sheets opens strong data organizing tools that always guarantee the accuracy, clarity, and ready-for-use of your datasets. Whether your taste is for the straightforward Sort Range menu, the dynamic updating of the sort function, or the cooperative adaptability of Sort Views, each approach provides special advantages catered to particular purposes. 

Including Google Apps Scripts will help more sophisticated users simplify difficult sorting chores by only pressing a button, optimizing their productivity.

Understanding and using these techniques will help you to better govern your data, thereby enabling you to extract important insights and present your data in the most sensible manner.

Say Goodbye to Tedious Data Exports! 🚀

Are you tired of the hassle of manually moving data from various tools into Google Sheets? Superjoin has a solution for you.s

Superjoin is a Google Sheets add-on that automatically connects your favorite SaaS tools to your spreadsheets. It pulls data directly into Google Sheets, allowing you to create reports that update themselves without any manual work on your part.