How to Sort Alphanumeric Data in Excel (With Easy Steps)

While working with Microsoft Excel, we need to use the sorted alphanumeric data. In this article, we will demonstrate the step-by-step procedures to sort alphanumeric data in excel.


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What Is Alphanumeric Data in Excel?

Alphanumeric is a term used to describe data that consists of both numbers and letters. When a user puts data comprised of letters and numbers into a device, this is known as alphanumeric data input. A short string of alphanumeric characters, for example, “AA2B32“. Alphanumeric is a term that is frequently used to describe the text that may be entered or utilized in a field, including an alphabetic password field.


Step-by-Step Procedures to Sort Alphanumeric Data in Excel

Suppose, we have a list of alphanumeric data in the number field column B as shown in the picture below. Now, we need to sort those data. Let’s look at the procedure for this.

Step-by-Step Procedures to Sort Alphanumeric Data in Excel


Step 1: Insert Formula in a Helper Column

  • Firstly, we need to add a helper column just beside the number field.
  • Secondly, put the formula into that column’s first cell which is C5.
=TEXT(B5, "###")
  • Thirdly, press Enter to insert the formula into your spreadsheet data.

  • The TEXT Function will convert those data into Text format.
  • Further, to copy the data over the range, drag the Fill Handle down. Or, instead of doing this, just double-click on the Plus (+) sign to AutoFill the column.

  • And, this will duplicate the data into the helper column but in text format.

Step-by-Step Procedures to Sort Alphanumeric Data in Excel


Step 2: Sort Data by the Helper Column

  • After that, sort the data by this new column by selecting the helper column that we just made.
  • Then, go to the Data tab from the ribbon.
  • Next, click on Sort under the Sort & Filter category.

Step-by-Step Procedures to Sort Alphanumeric Data in Excel

  • This will appear in a pop-up window which is Sort Warning.
  • Then, select Expand the selection in the popped-out prompt box.
  • Now, click on the OK button to close the pop-up window.

  • This will open the Sort dialog box.
  • Now, choose the helper column name we want to sort by in the Column section, and then use Cell Values in the Sort On part to select the sort Order as per our desire, So we choose the A to Z sort order.
  • Finally, click the OK button.

Step-by-Step Procedures to Sort Alphanumeric Data in Excel


Final Output of Alphanumeric Data Sorting in Excel

Here, you can see the data has been sorted as per the requirements.

You can now, Delete the helper column if you want.

Read More: Advantages of Sorting Data in Excel (All Features Included)


Conclusion

The above methods will assist you in Sort Alphanumeric Data in Excel. Hope this will help you! If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback please let us know in the comment section. Or you can have a glance at our other articles in the ExcelDemy.com blog!


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Sabrina Ayon

Sabrina Ayon

Hi there! This is Sabrina Ayon. I'm really excited to welcome you to my profile. Currently, I'm working in SOFTEKO as a Team Leader. I'm a graduate in BSc in Computer Science and Engineering from United International University. I love working with computers and solving problems. I’ve always been interested in research and development. Here I post articles related to Microsoft Excel. Hoped this may help you. Thank you.

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