Sorting a Range of Cells

Peter asked if it is possible to sort a range of cells, and just that range. In other words, not to sort entire rows or entire columns. The answer is a resounding "yes," Excel allows you to do the sorting rather easily.

As an example, let's assume you want to sort the cells in the range of C10:F40, based on the values in column D. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Select the range of cells.
2. Choose Sort from the Data menu. Excel displays the Sort dialog box. (Click here to see a related figure.) To display this dialog box in Excel 2007, display the Data tab of the ribbon and then click Sort.
3. Using the Sort By drop down list, choose Column D.
4. Make sure the No Header Row radio button is selected. (In Excel 2007, make sure the My Data Has Headers check box is cleared.)
5. Click on OK.

You can also sort by using the Sort Ascending or Sort Descending tools on the toolbar or, in Excel 2007, on the Data tab of the ribbon. The steps you follow are just a bit different:

1. Select the range of cells.
2. Press the Tab key to make sure that column D is selected. You can tell when it is selected because one of the cells in column D will appear in white, rather than being shaded.
3. Click on Sort Ascending or Sort Descending.

Regardless of the technique you use,. only the range of selected cells are sorted. All other information in the data table remains unaffected.