How to Sort Alphanumeric Values in Google Sheets like a Pro

Are you tired of struggling to sort alphanumeric values in your Google Sheets? Look no further! In this article, I will share with you two methods to properly sort alphanumeric values in Google Sheets. Say goodbye to the hassle of manually sorting your data and let Google Sheets do the work for you.

Method 1: Sorting Alphanumeric Data Using a Helper Column

If your alphanumeric values have numbers prefixed to them, this method is perfect for you. While it may not be the ‘proper’ way to sort alphanumeric data, it is simple and effective.

1. First, sort your data in any column using the SORT formula. For example, if your alphanumeric values are in column A, sort them in column H using the following formula:
   =sort(A1:A)

2. Convert the sorted values to pure text using the TO_TEXT function in column F. Here’s the formula for this:
   =ArrayFormula(to_text(H1:H10))

3. Finally, wrap the above formula with SORT to achieve the desired result:
   =sort(to_text(H1:H10))

By following these steps, you can easily sort alphanumeric values with numbers prefixed in Google Sheets. To visualize this process, check out the illustration below:

Before we dive into the pros and cons of this method, let’s explore an alternative solution that addresses its limitations.

Pros and Cons of the Formula

Pros:

• Simple to understand and use.

Cons:

• Requires a helper column to work.
• Only supports alphanumeric data with numbers prefixed.
• The number of digits should follow the same pattern in all values.

Method 2: The Proper Formula for Sorting Alphanumeric Values

Now, let’s introduce a formula that properly sorts alphanumeric values, without the limitations of the previous method.

1. We’ll start by extracting the numbers from each row of the alphanumeric column (column A) using the REGEXEXTRACT function. This will serve as our sort column. Here’s the formula to extract the numbers (place it in cell D1):
   =ArrayFormula(IFNA(REGEXEXTRACT(sort(A1:A)&"","[0-9]+")*1))

2. The next step is to sort column A using the extracted numbers as the sort column. This can be accomplished by using the SORT function with the following syntax:
   SORT(range, sort_column, is_ascending)

It’s important to note that the above actions should be performed on a sorted alphanumeric column A.

To give you a better understanding, let’s break down the process into two steps:

Step 1: Extract Numbers from Alphanumeric Data

Using the formula mentioned earlier, we extract all the numbers from column A. This formula not only sorts column A but also extracts the numbers after sorting. Here’s the formula (cell D1):
=ArrayFormula(IFNA(REGEXEXTRACT(sort(A1:A)&"","[0-9]+")*1))

Step 2: Sort Alphanumeric Values with Extracted Numbers

By comparing the extracted numbers with the corresponding numbers in column A, you will notice a perfect match. The final step is to modify the formula in cell D1 as follows:
=sort(sort(A1:A),IFNA(REGEXEXTRACT(sort(A1:A)&"","[0-9]+")*1),1)

This formula sorts column A using the extracted numbers, resulting in the perfect sorting of alphanumeric values.

With this formula, you can seamlessly sort alphanumeric values in Google Sheets, regardless of any prefix or suffix. Say goodbye to the limitations of the previous method and enjoy the efficiency of this proper formula.

In conclusion, sorting alphanumeric values in Google Sheets doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the methods shared in this article, you can easily organize your data, saving time and effort. So why wait? Give it a try and experience the magic of Google Sheets in sorting your alphanumeric values.

For more Google Sheets tips and tricks, visit Crawlan.com. Happy sorting!