Thankfully, in Google Sheets, the sort feature is built into the tool. So, if you are looking for a way to sort certain dates, like your family’s birthdays, or review your monthly transactions, then this article is here to help you out. So, without further ado, let’s explore the different methods you can apply to sort your data by date in Google Sheets.
Before We Begin
Please ensure that you have entered a date format that Google recognizes. The sorting function might fail to work in some cases due to the incorrect formatting entered on your dataset. So, to check whether the dates in your cells are valid, you can use the Data Validation feature on Google Sheets. Here is a step-by-step guide you can follow. Now, head back to your dataset. Check to see if there are any red linings in your cells that say if it is an invalid date. If you notice any invalid dates in your range, we suggest changing them right away. Additionally, we recommend adjusting the text alignment to be the same throughout your dataset range, as this might also affect when sorting out your dates in Google Sheets.
How to Sort By Date In Google Sheets on PC
After checking the data validation of your dataset and making the necessary formatting changes, let us now move on to how we can sort by dates in Google Sheets. Depending on your personal preference, you can use the Sort Function or the Sort Formula on your data range. Let’s look at both of these methods in more detail down below.
Using Sort Function
One of the easiest ways to set and arrange by date is through the sort function. Here, you will only need to highlight the data range and apply the sort by date function. Here are some steps you can follow. You can also access the Sort function by right-clicking or clicking on the drop-down arrow on the row header and selecting your preferred sorting option.
Using Sort Formula
Another alternative method you can apply to sort out your dataset by date is to use the Sort Formula. But, before using this formula, we suggest you make a separate column heading and label it as the Sorted Dates to avoid confusion. Here is the formula to be used depending upon the sorting options.
For arranging data in ascending order: =SORT(Range, column number, True) For arranging data in descending order: SORT(Range, column number, False)
If we take an example of number data, your formula should appear like: =SORT(A1:A3,1, True) or =SORT(A1:A3,1, False). The main advantage of this method is that if you apply any changes to a certain entry, the sorted list would also automatically change. So, you don’t have to bother manually changing each dataset which saves your time and effort. In some instances, if you want to make changes to the formula cells, you won’t be able to edit it because of the formula and will instead receive the “Value error.” To edit, you will have to convert the data into values. Copy the data range, use the Paste Special option, and select the Values Only option.
How to Sort By Date In Google Sheets on Mobile
For mobile users, you can still use the Sort function through the app version of Google Sheets. However, the steps for sorting might vary to the PC version due to its different interface. So, here are some steps you can follow.
Related Questions
How to Sort Date by Month in Google Sheets?
For sorting out dates through the month option, you will have to use a formula specific to sorting the monthly values. But, before you use the formula, we suggest you create a new column and label it to avoid confusion.
To assort in ascending order = SORT(B2:B, MONTH(B2:B) ,TRUE) To assort in descending order =SORT(B2:B, MONTH(B2:B) ,FALSE)
How to Sort by Date in Microsoft Excel?
The excel application also has a built-in sorting function, making it easier to sort data by date. Here is how you can do it.
How to Change Your Date Format in Google Sheets?
If you want to make all your dates shown in the cells more cohesive or if you want to switch up your date format to match your preference, then here are some steps you can follow.
