How to sort blocks of cells by the cell in the row above the corresponding cells.

[majikmer]

I want to sort the meals in the "Meals" sheet by the meal name above each meal "block" of ingredients. I want the category, food item, portion, measure, etc to stay with their corresponding meal name when sorted. I have attached the spreadsheet. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thank you.

[mehmetcik]

I cannot open your file.

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You will need a macro.

Process:

Put a formula into a helper row

Copy the Meal Names into a new column and sort them
In the next column number each meal sequentially

Use a Match Formula in a new column to transfer the Sequential number into a column adjacent to the Meal Name.

Use another formula to number all meals and their ingredients.

Shephards Pie = 1
Minced Beef 1.1
Mashed Potato 1.2
Carrots 1.3
Onions 1.4
1.5
Beef Stew 20
Minced Beef 20.1
Diced Potato 20.2
Carrots 20.3
Onions 20.4
20.5

Finally sort by this column.

[TMS]

Similar approach to mehmetcik: I'd add 3 columns. In the first, repeat the meal number; in the second, repeat the meal name; and, in the third, add an index/counter for each entry in the meal including the header row and the meal summaries. You'll need to index the blank rows. Then you can sort on meal name, meal content, whatever and, if you wish, return to the original state by sorting on meal number and index.

[majikmer]

Thank you for your timely replies. I will try your suggestions as soon as I can!