Summary  
This chapter demonstrates how to order and organize tabular data by applying single- and multi-level sorting criteria—ranging from alphabetical, numerical, date-based, and custom sequences to metadata-driven orders such as cell colors and icons—and how to manage ties with secondary and tertiary sort levels.

General domain of usage  
Spreadsheet data analysis

Ever feel overwhelmed by a disorganized spreadsheet? Let's simplify that. 

**Sorting your data** in Excel isn't just about making things look tidy — it's about **making your data work** for you. 

You'll learn how to swiftly navigate through your **numbers** and **texts**, spotting important **trends** and saving precious **time** in the process.

Open up the **Codefinity Excel workbook** and go to the **Section 5** worksheet to follow along with the video.

Excel Workbook

Now, let's explore the key elements of **data management** and **analysis** in Excel.

## Key Points
- Use the **Sort** button to organize data **alphabetically, numerically**, or by **date**;
- Sort **individual** columns or **multiple** columns to manage **complex** datasets effectively;
- Apply custom sorting with the **Custom Sort** option to prioritize data based on your specific criteria;
- Utilize the **Sort A to Z** and **Sort Z to A** for quick alphabetical or numerical sorting;
- Explore **advanced** sorting options to sort by **cell color, font color**, or **cell icon**;
- Handle **ties** in your data with **secondary** sorting criteria to define which entries appear first.

Sorting is not currently supported in the browser editor. You can either skip this exercise or download the workbook, complete the task in Excel, and upload your solution file. Alternatively, after clicking **Submit**, you can load the prepared solution to continue with the course.


Note

Excel Solution Workbook

import unittest
import json


def _dynamic_test(test_case, condition, success_message, failure_message):
    if condition:
        test_case._testMethodName = success_message
        test_case.assertTrue(True, success_message)
    else:
        test_case._testMethodName = failure_message
        test_case.fail(failure_message)


class TestUserCode(unittest.TestCase):
    @classmethod
    def setUpClass(cls):
        with open("payload.json") as f:
            data = json.load(f)
        cls.sheet = next(iter(data["sheets"].values()))

    def _cell_value(self, row, col):
        cell = self.sheet.get("cellData", {}).get(str(row), {}).get(str(col))
        return None if cell is None else cell.get("v")

    def _check_cell_value(self, row, col, cell_ref, *expected_values):
        actual = self._cell_value(row, col)

        _dynamic_test(
            self,
            actual in expected_values,
            f"{cell_ref} contains the expected value.",
            f"{cell_ref} should contain one of {expected_values!r}, but found {actual!r}."
        )

    def test_title_is_present(self):
        self._check_cell_value(2, 7, "H3", "Inventory List")

    def test_product_name_header_is_present(self):
        self._check_cell_value(4, 8, "I5", "Product Name")

    def test_category_header_is_present(self):
        self._check_cell_value(4, 9, "J5", "Category")

    def test_unit_price_header_is_present(self):
        self._check_cell_value(4, 12, "M5", "Unit Price")

    def test_revenue_formula_or_value_first_row_is_present(self):
        self._check_cell_value(5, 14, "O6", "=M6*N6", 216.6, 216.60)

    def test_revenue_formula_or_value_last_row_is_present(self):
        self._check_cell_value(24, 14, "O25", "=M25*N25", 813.12)

    def test_category_values_after_sorting(self):
        expected = {
            (14, 9, "J15"): "Books",
            (19, 9, "J20"): "Books",
            (24, 9, "J25"): "Toys",
        }

        for (row, col, cell_ref), value in expected.items():
            with self.subTest(cell=cell_ref):
                self._check_cell_value(row, col, cell_ref, value)


if __name__ == "__main__":
    unittest.main()

test_main.py

Dive into the world of Excel with this comprehensive video course, designed to take you from basic navigation to mastering functions and basic data analysis. Starting with foundational skills like data entry and cell formatting, you'll quickly progress to using powerful tools. Whether you're organizing large datasets, performing statistical analysis, or creating dynamic charts, this course equips you with the practical skills needed in today’s data-driven environment.

Kickstart your journey with Excel by understanding its interface, basic functions, and essential data entry techniques. Learn how to navigate toolbars, worksheets, and master the fundamental elements to set a solid foundation.

Dive deeper into Excel by exploring advanced data entry and formatting options. Sharpen your skills in text and number formatting, discover how to effectively use styles, and enhance spreadsheet readability and functionality.

Unleash the power of Excel with an introduction to basic formulas and functions. Gain confidence in creating calculations, using cell references, and employing key functions like SUM, AVERAGE, MIN and MAX to automate and simplify your data analysis tasks.

In this section, you will master advanced Excel formulas and functions, enhancing your ability to manage complex calculations. Learn to display and audit formulas, utilize nested and logical statements, and apply conditions effectively to streamline your data analysis tasks.

Explore comprehensive techniques for sorting, filtering, and managing data efficiently. This section covers everything from basic data organization to advanced filtering and table management, ensuring you can handle and analyze data effectively.

Dive into the art of data visualization using Excel's powerful charting tools. You'll learn to create various types of charts, customize them to enhance visual appeal, and manipulate data within charts to present clear and compelling visual stories.

Gain proficiency in managing worksheets and workbooks within Excel. This section teaches you how to effectively organize and manipulate workbook elements, utilize formatting tools, and secure your work with passwords, providing a thorough grounding in workbook operations.

Sorting Data in Excel

Key Points

Sorting Data in Excel

Key Points

Solution