Akib Bin Rashid
Excel is the most widely used tool for dealing with massive datasets. We can perform myriads of tasks of multiple dimensions in Excel. I will explain how to reorder columns in Excel in this article.
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6 Easy Methods to Reorder Columns in Excel
This is the dataset for today’s article. I will use it and explain the methods.
1. Use Sort Feature to Reorder Columns in Excel
The first method is to use the Sort feature to reorder columns in Excel. I will reorder the dataset and the base will be the Sales Amount. The order is going to be an ascending one.
Steps:
- First, select the range D5:D12.
- Then, go to the Data
- After that, select the icon representing the ascending order.
- A box will appear. Select “Expand the selection”
- Then, click Sort.
- Excel will reorder the column.
Read More: How to Add Columns in Excel (5 Quick Ways)
2. Drag and Move Columns in Excel
The next step is to drag and move the columns. This is an easy one. Let’s see how to do it step by step.
Suppose you want to move the Location into Column D. To do so,
Steps:
- Select the range E4:E12.
- Then, hover the mouse to bring the icon.
- Then, press and hold the SHIFT key and drag the range to Column D.
- Excel will reorder the columns.
Read More: How to Swap Columns in Excel (5 Methods)
3. Apply Custom Sort Feature to Rearrange a Single Column in Excel
Now I will show you how to apply the custom sort feature to reorder a single column in Excel. For this, I have slightly rearranged the data. The Remarks column has the performance summary of each employee. I will position the Good ones at the top, followed by the Average ones and the Bad ones.
Steps:
- Select the dataset B4:F12.
- Then, go to the Home
- After that, select Sort & Filter.
- Then, select Custom Sort.
- After that, a box will appear.
- I am going to sort the dataset by Remarks.
- For the Order, choose the Custom List.
- The Customs List box will appear.
- Then, create a new list in the List entries.
- After that, click on Add.
- Then, click OK.
- Excel will reorder the column.
Similar Readings
- How to Lock Columns in Excel (4 Methods)
- Freeze Columns in Excel (5 Methods)
- How to Group and Ungroup Columns or Rows in Excel
- Unhide Columns in Excel (8 Methods)
4. Use Custom Sort Feature to Rearrange Position of Multiple Columns in Excel
Now, I will explain how you can rearrange the position of multiple columns using the Custom sort feature. Suppose I want to rearrange the dataset in the following order.
- Location → 1st column
- First Name → 2nd column
- Last Name → 3rd column
- Sales Amount → 4th column
Steps:
- First, Select the dataset B3:F12.
- Then, go to the Home
- After that, select Sort & Filter.
- Then, select Custom Sort.
- Then, select Options from the box.
- From the Sort Options, select “Sort left to right”
- Then, click OK.
- After that, sort the dataset by Row 3.
- Then, click OK.
- Excel will rearrange the position of the columns.
- Finally, delete the index numbers.
5. Apply Insert Cut Cells to Move Cells of a Column in Excel
The next step is to use the Insert Cut Cells feature. This is also a very simple one. I am going to interchange the positions of the Last Name and First Name using this feature.
Steps:
- First, select the range B4:B12.
- Then, cut the range.
- Then, select the Sales Amount.
- After that, select the Insert Cut Cells.
- This way, Excel will insert the First Name to the left of the Sales Amount
6. Use SORT Function to Reorder Columns in Excel
Now, I will show you how to use the SORT function to reorder columns in Excel.
Steps:
- Go to B15 and write down the following formula
=SORT(B5:E12,3,1,FALSE)
- Then, press ENTER to get the output.
Things to Remember
- Use absolute reference to lock a cell.
- The SORT function is not available in 2019 or the older versions.
Conclusion
In this article, I have explained 6 methods to reorder columns in Excel. I hope it helps everyone. If you have any suggestions, ideas, or feedback, please feel free to comment below. Please visit Exceldemy for more useful articles like this.
