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

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

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

  2. [...] 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 [...]

  3. [...] 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 [...]

  4. Chris Scheffler says:

    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.

  5. Jamal says:

    Thanks........

  6. [...] 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 [...]

  7. Mithilsh says:

    Fantastic info......thanks Chandoo

  8. Marcel says:

    Thanks a lot for this tip.
    One thing however: I'm trying to sort a "table" horizontally , but this doesn't work: the option "from left to right" is grayed out. Guess I have to do it with a macro which (a) first converts the table into a normal range, then (b) sort the range horizontally and (c) finally convert the range back into a table. I'm sure this will work but I wonder if I'm still missing something here.

    • Martel says:

      Yes you are correct, I have just written an application that does exactly that. Point to watch - make sure table and range sizes match before and after the sort.

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