1

In Excel 2010 (and perhaps recent versions), you can select a range of data and insert a table over it that adds user-friendly sorting capabilities to the data. However, it appears that it doesn't support sorting across multiple columns. For example, I might want to sort column A then sort columb B within column A.

Is there a way to achieve this using native functionality that doesn't involve having to write a macro? I am also excluding the use of Excel's sort option from the toolbar/ribbon since this is a more advanced feature than not many novice Excel users (business owners, other higher-ups, etc) know how to use.

Improve this question
0

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
2

No, there is no native way to achieve this.

Your best bet is to write (or get someone else to write) an add-in that creates a new button bar with a series of switches to turn on/off sorting for each column. Shouldn't be that hard to do.

Improve this answer
2
  • Good answer, but makes me unhappy.
    – oscilatingcretin
    Jul 19, 2012 at 17:39
  • Sorry! Don't shoot the messenger though!
    – Julian Knight
    Jul 19, 2012 at 17:48
2

Since filtering supports multiple columns, but it is not what you are looking for, here is how to add sorting to multiple columns without using the toolbar/ribbon. Right click in a cell on the sheet and point to sort in the context menu. Then choose Custom Sort in the sub menu.

This brings up the Sort window. You can add the sort criteria here and add levels of sorting.

enter image description here

Although this is pretty straight forward and easy, I don't think you will be able to completely avoid having to explain to the end user how to do some things. A little bit of training goes a long way.

Improve this answer
3
  • Filtering or sorting? I don't want to filter anything out.
    – oscilatingcretin
    Jul 19, 2012 at 12:48
  • Yep. You are right, filtering does exclude data. I was trying to give you an option since you excluded use of the toolbar/ribbon. Let me re-answer then.
    – CharlieRB
    Jul 19, 2012 at 14:39
  • I already excluded that option in my question, but thanks.
    – oscilatingcretin
    Jul 19, 2012 at 16:20
1

You can do this by selecting Sort under the Data tab in the ribbon.

Improve this answer
2
  • I knew I should have also excluded this as an option. I am looking for a more user-friendly alternative that leaves all the options obvious to the user. Too many business owners and higher-ups have no idea where to find most options in Office applications, let alone know they exist.
    – oscilatingcretin
    Jul 19, 2012 at 11:22
  • I suggest you update your original question then
    – Dave
    Jul 19, 2012 at 11:24

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .