Dynamic arrays function

Excel SORT function

Q: How do I sort data automatically in Excel with a formula?

Use =SORT(A2:C20,2,-1). The result re-sorts whenever the source data changes.

Q: How do I sort by multiple columns with SORT?

Pass arrays for both arguments, like =SORT(A2:C20,{2,3},{1,-1}), to sort by column 2 then column 3. Or use SORTBY.

SORT returns a sorted copy of a range, and it re-sorts by itself when the data changes. Use it for live leaderboards, low-stock lists, or any report where the source should stay in its original order.

=SORT(array, [sort_index], [sort_order])

Arguments

array: The range to sort.
sort_index: Optional. Which column of the range to sort by. Default is 1.
sort_order: Optional. 1 for ascending (default), -1 for descending.

SORT examples

Every result below was calculated from this sample sheet by the same spreadsheet engine the Cellwise app uses.

	A	B	C
1	Product	Bin	On hand
2	Desk fan	B-04	18
3	Space heater	B-07	6
4	Air purifier	A-02	11
5	Humidifier	A-09	3
6	Dehumidifier	C-01	9

=SORT(A2:A6)
Result: spills 5 rows × 1 column
Air purifier
Dehumidifier
Desk fan
Humidifier
Space heater
Product names in A to Z order, starting with Air purifier.
=SORT(A2:C6,3)
Result: spills 5 rows × 3 columns
Humidifier A-09 3
Space heater B-07 6
Dehumidifier C-01 9
Air purifier A-02 11
Desk fan B-04 18
The whole table sorted by stock, lowest first. Humidifier tops the list.
=SORT(A2:C6,3,-1)
Result: spills 5 rows × 3 columns
Desk fan B-04 18
Air purifier A-02 11
Dehumidifier C-01 9
Space heater B-07 6
Humidifier A-09 3
Use -1 to sort descending: the best-stocked item comes first.
=INDEX(SORT(C2:C6,1,-1),1)
Result: 18
Take the first row of a descending sort to get the top value.

How to use SORT

Click the top-left cell of an empty area.
Type =SORT( and select the data, without headers.
Add the column number to sort by, and -1 for largest first.
Press Enter. The sorted copy spills out.

Common SORT mistakes

Including the header row

The header gets sorted in with the data. Select from row 2 and type the headers above the formula.

Using a column letter for sort_index

sort_index is a number counted from the left of the range, not the sheet column.

Getting #SPILL!

Clear the cells where the sorted result needs to go.

SORT FAQ

How do I sort data automatically in Excel with a formula?

Use =SORT(A2:C20,2,-1). The result re-sorts whenever the source data changes.

How do I sort by multiple columns with SORT?

Pass arrays for both arguments, like =SORT(A2:C20,{2,3},{1,-1}), to sort by column 2 then column 3. Or use SORTBY.

Does the SORT function change my original data?

No. It returns a sorted copy somewhere else. The source stays exactly as it was.