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In this article
SORT returns a sorted copy of a range; the original stays untouched and the result re-sorts as data changes.
Syntax
=SORT(array, [sort_index], [sort_order], [by_col])| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
sort_index |
Which column to sort by (1 = first). |
sort_order |
1 ascending, −1 descending. |
Examples
Example 1
=SORT(A2:E500, 5, -1)By amount, largest first.
Example 2
=SORT(A2:E500, {2,5}, {1,-1})By region A–Z, then amount high–low.
Power combo
=TAKE(SORT(A2:E500, 5, -1), 10)Top 10 rows (TAKE needs the 2022 update).
SORT in practice
Where you will use it
- Live sorted lists
- Top sellers by value
- Sorted dropdown sources
Worked example
| Order | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | =TEXTJOIN(", ",,SORT({"Pune";"Agra";"Delhi"},1,A2)) | Agra, Delhi, Pune |
| -1 | =TEXTJOIN(", ",,SORT({"Pune";"Agra";"Delhi"},1,A3)) | Pune, Delhi, Agra |
| 1 | =TEXTJOIN(", ",,SORT({"Pune";"Agra";"Delhi"},1,A4)) | Agra, Delhi, Pune |
Results calculated in Excel.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Sorting by another column | Use SORTBY |
| Spill blocked | Clear space |
Related functions
SORTBY · FILTER · UNIQUE · TAKE
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📎 Practice files for this article
- 📗Practice workbook: Dynamic arrays18 tasks on realistic sales data — type your formula, the Check column turns green when it is right. Answers sheet included.⬇ XLSX · 35 KB
Free to use for learning. Files with macros (.bas) are plain text — import them with Alt+F11 → File → Import File, and always test on a copy.
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