Overview
Excel PivotTables provide three primary sorting methods:
- Simple Sorting sorts the current data block.
- Advanced Sorting sorts one field by the values in another field.
- Manual Sorting lets you drag an item to a specific position.
PivotTable Sorting Methods
Simple Sorting
Purpose: Sort the complete data block in ascending or descending order.
Select the down arrow at the top of the applicable PivotTable field and choose the required sort order.
Advanced Sorting
Purpose: Sort a row or column field by the values in another PivotTable field.
Use the advanced sort options when the report should be ordered by a measure, such as Sales Amount, Quantity, or Profit, instead of by the field label.
Manual Sorting
Purpose: Place one item in a specific position that is not based on alphabetical or numeric order.
Drag the item label from its current position to the desired location within the same PivotTable field.
Important: A manually arranged item normally remains in that position after the PivotTable is refreshed.
Manual Sort Result
The selected item appears in the new position within the PivotTable field.
Choose the Appropriate Sorting Method
| Method | Use When |
|---|---|
| Simple Sorting | You want alphabetical, date, or numeric order based on the selected field. |
| Advanced Sorting | You want to rank one field by another value, such as highest sales or lowest quantity. |
| Manual Sorting | You need a custom business order that is not alphabetical or numeric. |
Expected Result
Use simple sorting for standard field order, advanced sorting to rank items by another value, and manual sorting for a custom order that remains after refresh.
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