Sort By Two Columns Excel Formula

The result is data sorted by group, then by score, with highest scores appearing first.

array = B5:D14 by_array1 = D5:D14 sort_order1 = 1

The formula below will sort data by group A-Z: To extend the formula to sort next by score, in descending order, we need to add:

by_array2 = C5:C14 sort_order2 = -1

With these arguments added, the complete formula is:

Ascending vs. Descending

Data is sorted in ascending order (A-Z) by default. This behavior is controlled by the sort_order arguments. Sort_order can be set to 1 (ascending) or -1 (descending). The formula below is the same as above except that it sorts scores in ascending order:

Dave Bruns

Hi - I’m Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.