Are you tired of manually rewriting data in Google Sheets to reverse or flip the order? Well, fret no more! In this comprehensive guide, we will explore multiple methods that can help you accomplish this task with ease. Whether you’re analyzing data, verifying information, or simply want to change the order for other purposes, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive deep into this exciting discussion.
Use Cases: Reversing or Flipping the Order of Data in Google Sheets
Google Sheets offers a plethora of features that we often use in our daily tasks. However, certain features are less commonly utilized for specific cases or unusual requirements. One such example is reversing the order of data. Knowing how to reverse the order of data is crucial when conducting experiments or analysis without manually rewriting all the information, which can lead to errors. Let’s learn how to do it efficiently without any hassle.
How to Reverse or Flip the Order of Data in Google Sheets
There are multiple methods available to reverse or flip the order of data in Google Sheets. Some methods involve using formulas, functions, or custom formulas, while others allow for a more direct approach. Let’s explore each method step by step, with screenshots for easy reference. Let’s get started.
Method 1: Reverse a Sorted Column Using the Main Menu Sort
This is the simplest method to reverse or flip a sorted column in Google Sheets. If your column is already sorted, all you need to do is change the sorting direction, and the column will automatically be reversed or flipped. However, this method only works when your data is already sorted. Let’s look at an example:
Step 1: Have sorted data.
Step 2: Select all.
Step 3: Go to Data -> Sort Range -> Choose a sort order.
Note: Select the opposite sorting order of your current data.
Step 4: Voila! Check out the reversed column.
Method 2: Reverse a Column Using the Sort Function
This method allows you to reverse a column of sorted data in Google Sheets by using the sort function. Let’s go through the steps:
Step 1: Have sample data.
Step 2: Add the sort function in the adjacent column.
=SORT(A2:A7,1,false)
- A2:A7 is the range you want to reverse.
- 1 is the column number; you can also select a range like A2:A7.
- False is for sorting in descending order. You can use true for ascending order.
Step 3: Press Enter, and your lists are sorted or reversed.
Method 3: Reverse Multiple Columns Using the Sort Function
This method is similar to the previous one but allows you to reverse multiple columns at once using the sort function. Let’s see how it works:
Step 1: Have multiple columns of data.
Step 2: Select all the columns.
Step 3: Go to Data -> Sort Range -> Sort A-Z or Z-A.
Step 4: Done. You can see how this method automatically reverses the entire set of data without any errors, ensuring that the data is correctly matched and synchronized with its original form.
Method 4: Reverse a Column Using an Auxiliary Column
Now, let’s explore methods that don’t require sorted data to reverse or flip the order. This method involves using an auxiliary column to reverse a column in Google Sheets. Let’s understand this concept using an example:
Step 1: Have example data.
Step 2: Add an auxiliary column.
Step 3: Populate the auxiliary column with data.
Step 4: Select both columns.
Step 5: Go to Data -> Sort Range -> Custom Sort Range.
Step 6: Select column A (the numbered column), select the opposite sort order to reverse the data, and click Sort.
Step 7 (Optional): You can now delete the auxiliary column.
The unsorted data is now reversed. Similarly, you can do the same for multiple columns with just one auxiliary column.
Method 5: Reverse a Column Using the INDEX Function with ROWS Function
In this method, we will learn how to reverse a column using the INDEX function with the ROWS function in Google Sheets. This powerful method allows you to create an exact reversed copy of your column. Let’s use a fictional example to understand how it works:
Step 1: Have random data in a column.
Step 2: Begin writing the INDEX function in the next column.
=INDEX($A$2:$A$9)
- Use the notation $ -> $A$2:$A$15.
Step 3: Add a comma after the INDEX function syntax.
Add the ROWS function.
=INDEX($A$2:$A$9,ROW($A$2:$A$9)*N($A$2:$A$9<>""))
Step 4: Press Enter, and you will get a value. Drag it from top to bottom to automatically fill the formula for the entire column.
Step 5: Now, select your original column of data.
Step 6: Go to Data -> Shuffle Range.
Step 7: Observe the changes that are automatically reflected in the next column, where you have reversed the data.
This is how you can easily use the INDEX function with the ROWS function to get an exact reversed copy of your column.
Method 6: Reverse a Column Using the Transpose Function
This method involves using the Transpose function to reverse the position of data from a column to a row in Google Sheets. The Transpose function is commonly used to change the orientation of data from columns to rows. We will leverage this function to achieve our goal. Let’s see how it works:
Step 1: Have example data in a column.
Step 2: Write the Transpose function in the next column.
Step 3: Pass the column range.
Step 4: Press Enter, and you will get a reversed copy of your data.
This is how you can easily transpose your column data into a row. Similarly, you can do the same for multiple columns to transpose them into multiple rows.
Method 7: Reverse a Column Using a Custom Sort Formula
In this final method, we will explore a custom sort formula that can help reverse or flip a column in Google Sheets. This method combines the functionality of the previous methods, allowing you to reverse a column and transpose it with a single formula. This can be achieved by combining “Method 5: Reverse a Column Using the INDEX Function with ROWS Function in Google Sheets” and “Method 6: Reverse a Column Using the Transpose Function in Google Sheets.” Let’s dive in:
Step 1: Have random data in a column.
Step 2: Begin writing the formula.
=SORT(A2:A12,ROW(A2:A12)*N(A2:A12<>""),0)
Step 3: Press Enter, and you will get a reversed copy of your data. However, this was also possible with the INDEX and ROW method.
Step 4: Add the Transpose() function to the formula.
Step 5: Press Enter, and you will see that you have a reversed and transposed copy of your data, which wasn’t possible with the INDEX and ROW method.
Step 6: Select the original range and modify it by randomizing it; the change will automatically be reflected.
As you can see, this method offers great flexibility and allows you to achieve your desired outcome effortlessly.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned seven different methods to easily reverse or flip the order of data in Google Sheets. Each method has been thoroughly explained, providing all the necessary details to help you understand their functionality and behavior in different situations. Practice these methods to address your real-world data issues effectively. We hope you enjoyed this article. Share it with your friends and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for future updates. Remember, Crawlan.com is your go-to source for all things Google Sheets and more!
