Sorting data is undoubtedly useful if you are managing a large spreadsheet. For instance, you’re arranging an Excel sheet that contains both valid and invalid data.
To create something out of the sheet, you need to sort out which data is useful and which is not.
Microsoft Excel ensures some sorting techniques for your assistance. You just need to Sort data by existing filters. It could be sorted by date, sort by time, or another customizable sorting.
This article will help you sort Excel data by date. Read this article until the end and follow the exact instructions to sort by date in Microsoft Excel successfully.
Easiest Way to Sort by Date in Microsoft Excel
The default sorting option from the Home tab is the quickest method to sort an Excel sheet. But that’s not the only one. Here, I’ve introduced four new methods using which you can sort worksheet data within minutes. Take a look at the passage, and you’ll know.
The four techniques that I shared are sorting by date in chronological order, custom sorting method of Excel, using a formula, and sorting functions in Excel.
You need to read the methods carefully and work accordingly.
Here are some brilliant methods to sort Excel entries by date:
1. Sort Dates in Chronological Order
When you sort excel data in sequential order, you can visualize the historical data arranging. Excel lets you sort the data in consecutive order from the Newest to Oldest and vice-versa.
Here are the steps to sort data in chronological order:
- Open the Excel entries you want to sort by date.
- Select which items you need to sort.
- Click on Sort and Filter from the Home tab.
- Choose any of the options between Sort Oldest to newest/ Sort Newest to Oldest. This will open a new dialog box asking whether you want to expand the selection or not.
- Tick on Continue with the current selection and select the Sort button.
Note: Ascending or descending will only work when your data is in the top row. Try the custom sorting if you want to sort entries from anywhere on the sheet.
This is the most straightforward trick to sort records by date. If this method can’t handle your data set, follow the subsequent procedures.
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2. Use Excel’s Custom Sort to Sort By Date
Custom sorting is another example when your data has headings. You can sort data even when your Excel entries are not in the top row.
Here are the steps to apply excels’s custom sort technique:
- Highlight the cells you want to sort by date.
- Click on Sort & Filter from the Home ribbon.
- Select Custom sort from the dropdown menu.
- Select Date from the Sort by menu in Custom sorting.
- Select Newest to Oldest or Oldest to Newest from the Order dropdown menu.
- Click on Ok to finalize the sorting.
The custom sort technique might get complicated if not implemented properly. Follow the instruction that I shared. Also, you can try using an Excel function to organize data.
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3. Try Excel Functions to Sort by Month
An Excel function will help you extract the month from the given date. This method is ideal for you if the year is not essential while arranging data.
Here’s the Excel function that you can use to sort entries by month:
- Include a new column beside the data set you want to sort.
- Name that column as Month number.
- Click in the first empty cell under Month.
- Type this function in the formula box; =MONTH(the cell number containing a date).
- Double-click on the fill handle (bottom corner of the cell).
Note: The function you’re gonna use is =MONTH(the cell number containing a date). For example, In my workbook, the column containing a date is M. So, I would create a new column N, and there the function will be; =Month(M2).
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4. Utilize Excel Formula to Sort by Month and Day
Creating a formula is the most legitimate way to get your work done in MS Excel. If you’re a beginner, you don’t know how much you can do in Excel by just using formulas. And yes, you can sort by date in MS Excel using simple formulas.
Here’s the Excel function that will ensure sort by date the entries:
- Add a new column next to the cell containing dates.
- Type in this function in the formula box; =TEXT(B2,”MMDD”).
- Apply the formula to every cell that contains a date.
See? That’s not difficult to sort data. These are the most efficient method for Excel data sorting.
However, if you’re managing a large data set and don’t want to jumble them while sorting, try the following sorting trick.
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How to Sort by Date Without Mixing the Data in Excel
Sorting is the most basic task you’re going to complete in Excel. Every now and then, you need to sort thousand of entries for work efficiency.
But sometimes, you mix up the data set while sorting due to some mistaken actions. To prevent that, use Excel tools to sort by month without mixing data.
Here’s how you can sort by date Excel entries without mixing the data:
- Highlight the columns you want to sort.
- Go to the Data tab on Excel.
- Select Sort & Filter from the ribbon.
Your data will sort automatically without mixing up.
Note: When you complete the sorting, Excel will pop up with a sort warning; asking your permission whether you want the rest of the data sorted as recently. Go with Continue with the current selection if you’re not interested in expanding the selection.
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Sort by Date in Excel Sheet While Keeping Rows Together
I’m sure a slight discomfort you felt while sorting data is; that you sort a column, but the substantial columns don’t move according to the arrangement.
That’s an everyday issue for novice Excel users. Sort and keep rows together using the forthcoming method whenever you face this issue.
Here are the steps to sort by date while keeping the rows together:
- Open Microsoft Excel and select the column you want to sort by date.
- Navigate to Home > Sort & Filter > Sort Largest to Smallest.
- Select Expand the selection and click Ok.
Expanding the selection in the sorting menu allows the substantial rows to move according to the cell position after sorting.
Now, if you have any other queries in connection with Excel data sorting, read the following section.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sort by date in Excel and keep rows together?
In your spreadsheet, select the dates without the column header > go to the Home tab > click Sort & Filter > choose Sort Newest to Oldest > select Expand the selection in the following window. That will keep your rows intact even after sorting.
Why won’t my Dates sort in Excel?
If excel can’t recognize the columns as date formats, you can’t sort by date in Excel.
How do I sort an Excel Spreadsheet by date number?
Select the columns that you want to sort > Click on the Home tab > select Sort & Filter > click Sort Oldest to Newest or Sort Newest to Oldest.
Why is Excel sort by date not working?
When your date format is not arranged e.g., in the first row, the format is MMDDYY, and in the second row, the layout is DDMMYY, Excel won’t possibly recognize the formats and your data won’t sort.
Wrapping Up
The sorting feature is really important if you want to pull out data from your Excel sheet. In this article, I’ve discussed everything you need to know to sort data in ascending or descending order.
I am sure after reading till this point; you’re much closer to becoming an Excel expert. However, if you need any hidden tips and tricks about MS excel, read the additional articles about excel on our website.
And, don’t forget to share your experience in the comment box.
