The SORT function lets you sort a range of data in Google Sheets. It is similar to the sort options found in the menus but leaves the source data unsorted.
The function creates a new dynamic range of data with the sorted output from the function.
💡If you find yourself nesting functions from the filter family (FILTER, SORT, SORTN, UNIQUE), consider using the QUERY function instead. QUERY is more powerful and easier to use than nested filter functions.
Contents
Video Explanation
Purpose
Returns sorted data from your specified source.
Syntax
=SORT(range,sort_column,is_ascending,[sort_column2, is_acending2,...])
range– The data to be sortedsort_column– The column containing the criteria you are sorting.is_ascending– Two possible answers – TRUE for ascending (1,2,3), FALSE for descending (3,2,1)
Related Functions
FILTER – Outputs a filtered range of data
SORTN – Sorts a range of data and returns the first n items
UNIQUE – Outputs data with duplicates removed
QUERY – A flexible function that can filter output
Examples
Example 1 – A Simple Ascending Sort
This first example uses a simple SORT function with one column of data sorted in ascending order.
Function used: =SORT(B1:B3,1,TRUE)
The formula in cell B5 points to the range of B1:B3 for the unsorted data. The sort_column is 1, which is column B. A TRUE for is_ascending input tells the function to rearrange the data from smallest to largest, which is why the output is 2, 3, 5.
Example 2 – A Two-Columns Range
Let’s look at an example now of sorting a table with two columns of data and sorting in descending order with the second column as the value to sort by.
Formula used: =SORT(B1:C3,2,FALSE)
The first three rows are the original data, and the last three are the function’s dynamic results. The function is still in cell B5, and you can see it if you select that cell. Since Google Sheets used the second column, Google Sheets sorted those values in backward alphabetical order – b, r, t.
⚠️ This function’s output can spill below, and sometimes to the right, of its cell.
Example 3 – Sorting by Two Columns
Lastly, we have two columns sorted by column 2 in ascending order and then by column 1 in ascending order.
Formula used: =SORT(B1:C6,2,TRUE,1,TRUE)
Notice that the data is now sorted by last name, but also Dewey comes before Huey and Louie.
Live Examples in Sheets
Go to this spreadsheet for several examples of the SORT function you can study and use anywhere.
StaySorted Add-On 
If you’re using the menus to sort your data, you must redo it when you add a new row. This can slow you down, especially when working with a large spreadsheet. The StaySorted add-on is a great solution for this problem. It automatically sorts any new entries in your spreadsheet, so you don’t have to worry about it.
