Sorting problem

[sermojo]

I have scoured the internet and Google searched this for days and can't find how to do this.

I have 3 columns and dozens of rows of randomly entered data, something like below.

d f b
h i g
c e a

I wish to sort it left to right across the row for 3 columns and then continue on the next row like this.

a b c
d e f
g h i

Please help. I can't find how to sort in this fashion on any tutorial or forum.
Thanks
Scott

[FDibbins]

Hi, welcome to the forum

This is obviously dummy data, but can you provide some realist samples that more closely fit your actual data?

[sermojo]

I wish to have the cells sorted alphabetically. No cells, rows or columns are associated with each other. The data is currently like this.

Dave Fred Bob
Henry Issac George
Charles Eric Adam

I wish to sort it like this.

Adam Bob Charles
Dave Eric Fred
George Henry Issac

[MarvinP]

Hi sermojo and welcome to the forum,

I find lots of answers using VBA but I thought you would have found those.

My solution is using helper arrays. The first in columns EFG tell the alpha order of the names. In IJK I have a fixed numbers from 1 to the last to make the other formulas easier.
In the next two arrays I've found the Column and then Row where the name lives. Then in the last array I can then use the Row and Column numbers and sort the names.

See if all this makes sense. Let me know if you have questions.

If this is a homework problem, I want an A on this one, as I didn't find much help on the net either.

Now, one of the smart Guru's will come up and roll the whole thing into a single formula.. We'll see.

[sermojo]

Thanks for your reply Marvin.

My biggest problem is that I only try to use Excel once or twice a year, and almost always have to search the the net to find out how to do what I want to do.

I am completely unfamiliar with VBA and how to use it. I haven't been able to justify the time to learn it for the rare times that I might use it. I was mostly hoping that I was overlooking an advanced sort setting somewhere.

I will play with your file a little to see if I can figure out what you've done.

Thanks again.