+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 9 of 9

Sorting multiple columns alphabetically

  1. #1
    Registered User
    Join Date
    05-02-2013
    Location
    la
    MS-Off Ver
    Excel 2003
    Posts
    7

    Sorting multiple columns alphabetically

    How do I sort multiple columns alphabetically with the last name first, then the first name as the 2nd sorting option?

    Here is an example of what I have:

    year; first; last
    2011 chris Bell
    2010 chris Bell
    2009 chris Bell
    2008 chris Bell
    2007 chris Bell
    2006 chris Bell
    08-11 chris Bell
    06-11 chris Bell
    02-11 chris Bell
    2012 roger Bell
    2011 roger Bell
    2010 roger Bell
    2009 roger Bell
    2008 roger Bell
    2007 roger Bell
    2006 roger Bell
    2005 roger Bell
    2004 roger Bell
    2003 roger Bell
    2002 roger Bell
    08-11 roger Bell
    06-11 roger Bell
    02-11 roger Bell
    2006 n chris Bell
    2002 n chris Bell
    2006 n roger Bell
    2005 n roger Bell
    2004 n roger Bell
    2003 n roger Bell
    2002 n roger Bell
    2001 n roger Bell
    2004 trey Bell
    2004 n trey Bell
    02-11 trey Bell



    As you can see, the first names aren't sorted 100% alphabetically. I think issue stems from the years 2001 n-2006 n. I have to use the 2001 n since its a different data than the normal 2001.

    The default sorting was by year:
    2012
    2011
    2010
    2009
    ...
    2006
    2006 n
    2005
    2005 n
    ...
    2001 n
    08-11
    06-11
    02-11

    So I want it to sort by last first, then first name. Then it should sort by the default sort I already had in the left column (years)

    I have multiple last names for each year. Right now

  2. #2
    Valued Forum Contributor wenqq3's Avatar
    Join Date
    04-01-2013
    Location
    Malaysia
    MS-Off Ver
    Excel 2003
    Posts
    868

    Re: Sorting multiple columns alphabetically

    Hi PJ25, welcome to forum. Can you upload sample excel file. What you did, should have sorted according what you choose.
    1st sort: LAST
    2nd sort:FIRST
    3rd(option): Year
    Maybe some "chris" have space. Or you can try do like this, trim(clean(your column)), and drag down, copy and paste special(Value) to replace your original column.
    -If the problem is solved, please mark your thread as Solved: Click Thread Tools above your first post, select "Mark your thread as Solved".

    -Always upload a workbook before start your question
    To attach a file, push the button with the paperclip (or scroll down to the Manage Attachments button), browse to the required file, and then push the Upload button.

    +++ If my answer(s) helped you, please add me reputation by click on * +++

  3. #3
    Registered User
    Join Date
    05-02-2013
    Location
    la
    MS-Off Ver
    Excel 2003
    Posts
    7

    Re: Sorting multiple columns alphabetically

    Here is the attached excel file.

    1st one- the original excel file. Notice the how its sorted. It goes down from 2012 to 2011 onward until 2006. Then 2006 NPI, then 2005, then 2005 NPI, then 2004, 2004 NPI,..., then 08-11, then 06-11, then 02-11. When I sort by first name or last and first name, it messes up this default order.


    2nd file- thats what happens when I sort. I'll give you an example of what happens. Notice how if you go to Row 17-23, you will see Aaron Mckie. It goes from 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 02-11. But for some reason, if you scroll all the way down to row 6021, you have Aaron McKie 2006 NPI, 2005 NPI, 2004 NPI, 2003 NPI, 2002 NPI, 2001 NPI. What I want to know is how do I make the whole column sort alphabetically. It seems like the left is messing up my sort. I sort it alphabetically and it goes from A-Z, then it starts over at A despite that name also being at the top.
    Attached Files Attached Files

  4. #4
    Valued Forum Contributor wenqq3's Avatar
    Join Date
    04-01-2013
    Location
    Malaysia
    MS-Off Ver
    Excel 2003
    Posts
    868

    Re: Sorting multiple columns alphabetically

    There is a space in front the name example " Aaron Brooks", as mention previously, type at G2 =TRIM(C2).
    drag down, copy and past special (Value) to Column C(NAME), then sort again.

  5. #5
    Registered User
    Join Date
    05-02-2013
    Location
    la
    MS-Off Ver
    Excel 2003
    Posts
    7

    Re: Sorting multiple columns alphabetically

    Thanks. That helped. I fixed the problem. That was bugging me for so long. I should have known it was something easy like that.

  6. #6
    Registered User
    Join Date
    05-02-2013
    Location
    la
    MS-Off Ver
    Excel 2003
    Posts
    7

    Re: Sorting multiple columns alphabetically

    I have a question. Is there any way I can make Excel automatically put spaces between each player or make each players years into different sheets?

  7. #7
    Valued Forum Contributor wenqq3's Avatar
    Join Date
    04-01-2013
    Location
    Malaysia
    MS-Off Ver
    Excel 2003
    Posts
    868

    Re: Sorting multiple columns alphabetically

    I think macro can do.can you explain more.

  8. #8
    Registered User
    Join Date
    05-02-2013
    Location
    la
    MS-Off Ver
    Excel 2003
    Posts
    7

    Re: Sorting multiple columns alphabetically

    Quote Originally Posted by wenqq3 View Post
    I think macro can do.can you explain more.
    Most of the players on the list have like 5 or 10 entries for their name. Is it possible to create a space in between every name so that its easier to read? Is it possible to move all the entries for a persons name into a special sheet for each name?

  9. #9
    Valued Forum Contributor wenqq3's Avatar
    Join Date
    04-01-2013
    Location
    Malaysia
    MS-Off Ver
    Excel 2003
    Posts
    868

    Re: Sorting multiple columns alphabetically

    Please Login or Register  to view this content.
    Is this OKIE for you?

+ Reply to Thread

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts

Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0 RC 1