How To Sort by Date in Google Sheets (6 Easy Examples)

Google Sheets offers simple and effective tools for sorting data, including the ability to sort by date. Sorting by date involves arranging a numerical dataset, as dates are essentially numbers in the backend. However, the various date formats can present challenges when sorting. In this article, we will explore how to sort data by date in Google Sheets, address common issues that may arise, and even provide a method to convert text values to date values. Let’s dive in!

How to Sort Data by Date in Google Sheets

Here is an easy step-by-step guide to sorting your data by date in Google Sheets:

1. Select the range of data you want to sort.
2. Go to the “Data” menu and choose “Create a Filter.”
3. Click on the filter icon.
4. Select either “Sort A – Z” (ascending) or “Sort Z – A” (descending).

Validating Your Data

To ensure that you are working with correct date formats, it is important to validate your data. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Select the data you want to validate.
2. Go to the “Data” menu and choose “Data Validation.”

3. In the data validation window, click “Add rule.”
4. Under “Criteria,” choose “Is valid date.”
5. Check the option for “Show a warning” and click “Done.”

If there are any invalid dates, a warning will appear, and it is advisable to rectify them.

Sorting by Date Using Filters

Filters can also be used to sort data by date in Google Sheets. Follow these steps:

1. Select the range of data you want to sort.
2. Go to the “Data” menu and choose “Create a Filter.”

3. Click on the filter icon.
4. Select either “Sort A – Z” (ascending) or “Sort Z – A” (descending).

Understanding the Sort Function Syntax

The syntax for the SORT function in Google Sheets is as follows:

SORT(range, sort_column, is_ascending, [sort_column2, is_ascending2, ...])

• range: The data to be sorted.
• sort_column: The column ID for the values by which to sort within or outside the selected range. It must be a single column with the same size as the range.
• is_ascending: Indicates whether the range should be arranged in ascending (TRUE) or descending (FALSE) order.
• [sort_column2, is_ascending2, ...] (optional): Specifies any additional columns to be sorted.

Considering a Google Sheets Course

If you frequently encounter situations where you need to sort data in Google Sheets, it may be beneficial to consider taking a comprehensive Google Sheets course. By investing in your knowledge, you can equip yourself with the problem-solving skills needed for independent data management. This will save you valuable time in the long run. If you are interested, you can learn more about Google Sheets courses at Mr Reviews.

Sorting Data by Date Using the SORT Function

The simplest way to sort data in Google Sheets is by using the built-in SORT function. This function takes the original dataset and outputs sorted data by date. You can sort a single column or multiple columns, specifying the desired date column for sorting. The best part is that the sorted data is dynamic, automatically adjusting to any changes in the original dataset.

Let’s take a look at a couple of examples:

Suppose you have the following dataset and want to sort it by the dates in column A:

Dataset for sorting dates in Google Sheets:

Here’s how you can organize the Google Sheet by date:

1. Click on an adjacent empty cell.
2. Type the =SORT function.
3. Select the range you want to sort, which is A2:A9.
4. Specify the column ID to sort by, which is 1 for column A.
5. Type TRUE for ascending order or FALSE for descending order.

=SORT(A2:A9,1,TRUE)

The SORT function in the above formula has three arguments:

1. A2:A9: The range to be sorted.
2. 1: Indicates that the sorting is based on the first column in the range. In this example, there is only one column, so the value is 1.
3. TRUE: Specifies ascending order.

If you have a dataset with multiple columns, including a column with dates, you can use the SORT function to sort based on the date column. For example:

Sort Multiple Columns by date in Google Sheets:

The below formula will sort this dataset based on the date column:

=SORT(A2:B9,1,TRUE)

When using the SORT function, make sure the cells where the sorted data will be placed are empty. If any of the cells contain data, it may result in an error. Also, remember that this is an array formula, so any changes to the array elements will remove the results and display an error. If you want to modify these cells, convert them to values before making changes.

Sort Your Spreadsheets by Date in Google Sheets

If you would like to sort your entire spreadsheet by date, follow these steps:

1. Click on the A-Z logo displayed on the Google Sheets main screen.
2. Select “Last Modified.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Sort Google Sheets by Date and Keep Rows Together?

To sort by date in Google Sheets while keeping rows together:

1. Select a cell in the range you want to sort.
2. Highlight the entire range by clicking and dragging from the initial cell.
3. Go to the “Data” menu and choose “Sort range.”
4. Decide whether you want to sort in ascending or descending order.

Can You Sort Rows by Date in Google Sheets?

Yes, you can sort rows by date in Google Sheets. There are several methods available, such as using the SORT function or the sort range option in the data menu. You can refer to our guide on sorting horizontally in Google Sheets for more details.

Why Is My Google Sheet Not Sorting by Date?

Google Sheets does not automatically sort data by date. To sort your spreadsheet by date, you need to select the data range and use the “Sort range” option found under the “Data” menu.

How Do I Sort Google Sheets From Oldest to Newest?

To sort Google Sheets from the oldest to the newest date:

1. Highlight the range you want to sort by date.
2. Go to the “Data” menu and choose “Sort Range.”
3. Select “Sort range by columns A (A to Z)” to sort in ascending order (from old to new).

How Do I Sort by Date in Google Drive?

To sort files by date in Google Drive:

1. Click on the “Last modified” header above your files.
2. Choose any of the options that appear.

Wrapping Up

In this comprehensive guide, we have explored different methods to sort data by date in Google Sheets. You can use the SORT function or the sorting option available in the data menu. Both methods provide flexibility and efficiency when organizing your data. If you are interested in expanding your spreadsheet skills, consider taking an online Google Sheets course. By mastering your spreadsheet management abilities, you can enhance your productivity and make the most of your data. For more informative articles and guides, visit Mr Reviews.

Related: How To Sort By Multiple Columns In Google Sheets, Sort Horizontally in Google Sheets (Sort Columns Left to Right), Convert Formulas to Values in Google Sheets, How To Alphabetize in Google Sheets, How To Filter By Color in Google Sheets (Using a Formula), Fill Down In Google Sheets (Autofill Formulas, Numbers, & Dates), How To Insert Timestamps in Google Sheets, How To Add Time in Google Sheets, 5 Ways to Add Months to a Date in Microsoft Excel.