trouble sorting data formatted as table

I have a range of data (let's say A1-M50) with headers, and it is formatted as a table with every other row shaded. When I select the data and sort by a header, however, I end up with several checkerboard rows, where clearly the information didn't follow its row correctly. What is going on?

It sounds like the table data was copied from another table...including formatting...which included shading.

On the new table...
• Select the data body range
• Home.Fill_color....check: No fill

Now the table will use its default row shading.

Does that help?

Maybe some of it is outside the table? or the background color has been added manually.

1) with the active cell within the table, go to the design tab and click on "Resize Table" Check that range to make sure it is the same as you expect it to be (i.e. A1:M50)

2. Select your entire table an on the Home Tab, click on the arrow for "Fill color" and choose "No Fill"

Now sort and see if you still have problems.