Changing Sort Orientation in Excel – Sorting across columns instead of rows

Posted on July 22nd, 2008 in hacks , Learn Excel , technology - 7 comments

change-sort-orientation-excel-columns

how-to-sort-across-columns-orientation-change

You can sort data across columns instead of rows by changing sort options. If you ever had to sort across columns now you know a simple way to do this :)

Follow these steps for changing sort orientation:

  • Select the table you want to sort (just the data, not the headers as when you change sort orientation, you cannot set header rows)
  • Go to Data > Sort
  • Click on Options
  • Set “Sort Orientation” to “left to right” instead of “top to bottom” as shown below:
    sort-options-to-change-orientation
  • Click OK

Also see: How to count words in an excel cell, Fill only weekdays when auto-filling dates, Find unique items in a list

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7 Responses to “Changing Sort Orientation in Excel – Sorting across columns instead of rows”

  1. Shuffle a list of numbers / items in excel spreadsheet | Pointy Haired Dilbert - Chandoo.org says:
    July 28, 2008 at 1:31 pm

    [...] this? Also learn how to sort horizontally, fill only weekdays while auto-filling dates Tags: Excel Tips, how to, learn, random, [...]

    Reply
  2. Excel can be Exciting : 15 Fun things to do with Microsoft Excel | Pointy Haired Dilbert - Chandoo.org says:
    August 1, 2008 at 10:38 am

    [...] if your data flows from left to right instead of top to bottom. Just change the sort orientation from “sort options” in the data > sort [...]

    Reply
  3. Sorting a list of items in random order in excel - using formulas | Pointy Haired Dilbert - Chandoo.org says:
    September 23, 2008 at 3:36 pm

    [...] More sorting: Sort text / tables from left to right along columns [...]

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  4. Excel can be Exciting - 15 fun things you can do with your spreadsheet in less than 5 seconds « ZamaZ Cool Blog says:
    November 25, 2008 at 11:51 am

    [...] if your data flows from left to right instead of top to bottom. Just change the sort orientation from “sort options” in the data > sort [...]

    Reply
  5. Chris Scheffler says:
    March 20, 2009 at 5:30 am

    Thank you so much
    I wasted so much time looking for a formula to sort some values. Then I found this site. Data Tab, then Sort. It’s so easy.
    Thanks again.

    Reply
  6. Jamal says:
    July 3, 2011 at 2:38 pm

    Thanks……..

    Reply
  7. 15 Incredibly Fun Things You Can Do With Excel | BizNet Software Blog says:
    January 31, 2013 at 8:11 pm

    [...] if your data flows from left to right instead of top to bottom. Just change the sort orientation from “sort options” in the data > sort [...]

    Reply

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