When you have a lot of data to sift through, it can be helpful to sort it chronologically. This makes it easier to find the specific information you’re looking for. In this article, we will introduce you to three ways to sort data by date in Google Sheets. We will also explain how each method works so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Validate Date Cells
Before we begin, we need to ensure that your dates are properly formatted. Follow these steps:
Summary:
- Go to Data.
- Choose Data Validation.
- Select Date as the criteria and click Save.
- If any invalid dates are detected, you will receive a warning, and it’s best to correct them.
How to Sort by Date in Google Sheets Using Filters
The easiest way to sort your spreadsheet by date is by using the filter function in Google Sheets. Here’s how it works:
Summary:
- Go to your Google Sheet.
- Select the column(s) you want to sort by date.
- Go to Data and click on Create a Filter.
- Click on the filter icon (located at the top right of the header cell of the date column).
- Choose Sort A -> Z (latest date last) or Sort Z -> A (latest date first).
How to Sort by Date in Google Sheets Using the SORT Function
If you want to dynamically sort your data, you should use the SORT function. The sorted output will appear wherever you place the formula. Here’s how to use this formula:
Click on a cell and enter the following formula:
=SORT(range, sort_column, is_ascending)
range: the range you want to sort (e.g., A2:B5)
sort_column: the position of the column you want to sort within your defined range (e.g., 2)
is_ascending: can be true or false and determines whether the range is sorted in ascending order (or not)
Example: =SORT(A2:B5, 2, true)
Once you have entered all the information, press Enter.
Your defined range will be rearranged accordingly.
How to Sort by Date in Google Sheets Using the Sort Range Function
If you’re still looking for another way to sort your spreadsheet by date, here’s another one. Google Sheets offers a Sort Range function that allows you to quickly sort your data.
Summary:
- Go to your Google Sheet.
- Select the table that includes the column you want to sort.
- Click on Data and choose Sort Range.
- Click on Advanced sorting options.
- Check the box for Data has header row.
- Choose the column you want to sort next to Sort by.
- Check A -> Z (latest date last) or Z -> A (latest date first).
- Click on Sort.
Conclusion
We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for a way to sort your data by date in Google Sheets. We’ve shown you three different methods to achieve this, so hopefully, one of these methods will work for you. Stay tuned for more tutorials like this on our blog. And in the meantime, create or log in to your Tango account and start capturing your own workflows today.
