How to Sort by Column in Excel to Keep Rows Together

In this article, we will show how to sort by column in Excel while keeping rows together. Sorting is the best way to make the dataset more convenient and acceptable. This makes our work with datasets in various ways. MS Excel provides different ways to sort data for different purposes.

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4 Ways to Sort by Column while Keeping Rows Together

In this article, we will discuss 5 ways of how to sort by column in Excel while keeping rows together. Firstly, we will use the Sort command. Secondly, we will go for the Advanced Sort command. Thirdly, we will sort the columns alphabetically. Then, we will sort multiple columns using the Sort command. Finally, we will use the SORT function to sort multiple columns alphabetically while keeping the rows together.

1. Using Sort Command

In this method, we will sort a dataset by column and keep the rows together. In the process, we will use the Sort command. This command will sort the column according to our need.

Steps:

• Firstly, select the cells in the range D5:D10.
• Secondly, go to the Data tab.
• Thirdly, from the Sort & Filter group, choose Sort.
• As a result, a prompt will be on the screen.

• From the prompt, first, select Expand the selection.
• Then, click on Sort.

• Consequently, the Sort dialogue box will be on the screen.
• From the box, select the order of your sorting.
• In this case, we will select Smallest to Largest.
• Then, click OK.

• Consequently, the column will be sorted.

2. Sorting Column Alphabetically 

In this example, we will sort a column alphabetically while keeping the rows together. We will use the Advanced Sort command. This operation will arrange the names according to the alphabets.

Steps:

• To begin with, select the cells in the range C5:C10.
• Then, go to the Data tab.
• Finally, from the Sort & Filter group, select Sort A to Z.
• Consequently, a prompt will appear on the screen.

• From the prompt, select Expand the selection.
• Then, select Sort.

• As a result, the column will be sorted alphabetically.

3. Sorting by Multiple Columns 

In this instance, we will sort the dataset by multiple columns. The sorting will be done, firstly by a particular column and then by another column. This will allow users to prioritize their sorting options.

Steps:

• To start with, choose the dataset.
• Then, select the Sort command from the Data tab.
• As a result, a prompt will appear on the screen.

• In the prompt, first, choose the Add Level option.
• After that, select Name column in the Sort by option.
• Then, choose Region column in the Then by option.
• Finally, click OK.

• As a result, the data set will be sorted by the two columns.

4. Sorting Multiple Column Alphabetically with SORT Function

The SORT function sorts any array of data, and the users could specify how many columns to sort. In this example, we will sort all four of our columns using the SORT function.

Steps:

• Firstly, select the B13 cell and type,

• Then, hit Enter.
• As a result, the dataset will be sorted accordingly.

Conclusion

In this article, we have talked about how to sort by column in Excel while keeping rows together. These are some ways to sort by column with keeping rows together in Excel. I have shown all the methods with their respective examples but there can be many other iterations. I have also discussed the fundamentals of the used functions. If you have any other method of achieving this, then please feel free to share it with us.

Further Readings

• Sort Column by Value in Excel (5 Methods)
• How to Sort Rows by Column in Excel (4 Methods)
• Sort Two Columns in Excel to Match (Both Exact and Partial Match)
• How to Sort Columns in Excel without Mixing Data
• Sort Multiple Columns in Excel (5 Quick Approaches)
• How to Sort Multiple Columns in Excel Independently of Each Other
• Auto Sort When Data is Entered in Excel (3 Methods)