If you weren't aware of the variety of possibilities associated with Google Sheets, this online version of Microsoft Excel can do a lot. In order to use it properly, however, you need to get familiar with some of the basic functions.
Literacy and maintaining lines certainly fall into this category. In this article, we will show you how to perform these two main functions in Google Sheets.
Alphabetical order
The easiest way to alphabetize your spreadsheet is to use the Variety a function. This allows you to alphabetize a selected data range, column, or multiple columns.
Simple columns
To alphabetize a single column of data in A to Z order, you will need to enter the formula that does this automatically. The Sort function can take a lot more arguments, but if you want to do a quick ascending alphabetical sort, use the '=BLACK (A2: A12) » a function.
Keep in mind that this formula is an array. It means the formula occupies the range whose size is exactly the same as the input range. Use this formula and you won't be able to change anything in the table. You will not be able to delete a single cell from the result. You can delete the entire formula result, but not a cell value.
Multiple columns
If you have a multi-column dataset, the Sort function can still help you arrange the cells alphabetically. There is a formula that will help you do this. Enter the " =TRI(A2:B12,1,FAUX)” to alphabetize multiple columns according to your preferences. The mentioned formula works with three arguments.
The first argument is interval. Essentially the range of inputs you want to sort. In turn, this allows you to select the columns you want to sort.
The second argument is the column on which you want to sort the results. It's called sort_column.
The third argument is the is_ascending argument. It can take either of two values: TRUE ou FALSE. TRUE means sorting will be done in ascending order. FALSE means that the sort will be performed in descending order.
Integrated sorting options
You may want to alphabetize the available data and get static values instead of dynamic values. The Sort function can't do that, but there's a built-in tool in Google Sheets that lets you get static alphabetical information. This is probably the easiest way to alphabetize in Google Sheets, but it won't help you much if you're constantly updating the list. If you want to change the static values of cells inside a column, here's how to do it.
It's as simple as selecting the entire column (click on the corresponding column letter) and navigating to the Data entry in the top menu.
If you select the sort range, the tool will sort the selected range in ascending/descending order. If you select one of the two sort sheet options, the entire sheet will be sorted ascending/descending.
You can access more alphabetical sorting options by selecting Advanced range sorting options under Sort Range menu. This makes sorting easier if you have more than one column to choose from. When you are done, select Variety.
Alphabetical ordering of a dataset based on a column
Start by selecting the dataset in question and make sure you've included the headers as well. Then go to Data, select Sort Range, et Advanced range sorting options in the drop-down menu. Activate it Data has a header row option. Then, Under Select, select the desired header. Select AZ or ZA options for ascending/descending sorting (respectively). Click on Variety.
Come on
Sometimes you may want to keep your rows and columns as you defined them and list the other columns alphabetically. It's entirely possible. You can either freeze rows or entire columns. Once frozen, selected rows/columns are separated by a thick gray line. This means that no matter how you try to sort any part of the document, the selected rows/columns will stay in place, as you designated them.
It's very simple to do. Select a cell in the row/column you want to freeze. Then navigate to See entry in the top menu of Google Sheets. Hover over it Freeze a function. You have four options for rows and columns each.
No line will cancel the freeze and you will see the corresponding thick gray line disappear from the sheet. 1 rank will freeze the first row. 2 rows will freeze the first two rows. Up to current line (x) will freeze everything up to the line you selected (number x, where x is the number of the line in question).
The same goes for columns. You obtain No column, 1 columns, 2 columns, and Up to current column (y), where "y" is the letter of the selected column.
After selecting rows/columns/both, you can go to Data, alphabetize everything and you will see that the "frozen" rows/columns will not change their value. It is a practical option and it can be used in various creative ways.
Sorting in alphabetical order and keeping columns and rows intact
There are two main ways to sort alphabetically in Google Sheets. The first uses various formulas and is quite dynamic. It also lets you do a variety of things with your spreadsheets. However, it is relatively complex. If you want to sort your sheet alphabetically, use the second method. Do not worry. You can lock rows and columns in place with the Freeze feature.
Was this guide helpful to you? Did you manage to do what you wanted with your spreadsheet? Feel free to hit the comment section below for any questions you have. Our community is ready with all the answers you need.
