Sorting columns Numerically... Help!

  • Thread starter Thread starter mcalla
  • Start date Start date
M

mcalla

What I am attempting to do is sort a column in my excel spreadsheet i
numeric order (descending). I go to the Data Menu/Select Sort. I
sorts the numbers, however, it sorts it in the following manner:
Ex:
80
80
750
75
75
600
60
60
550
525
500
50
I don't understand why it isn't sorting in the proper numeric order.
It considers "750" just like it is "75". If anyone has a clue as t
why this is happening and how to fix it please please let me know!
 
Hi mcalla!

Your numbers may appear to be numbers but are in fact text.

Convert to numbers using:

Select an empty cell
Copy
Select the range of "text" numbers
Edit > Paste Special > Add > OK

Now try a sort.

--
Regards
Norman Harker MVP (Excel)
Sydney, Australia
(e-mail address removed)
Excel and Word Function Lists (Classifications, Syntax and Arguments)
available free to good homes.
 
Hi

looks like this row is formated as text (not gerneral or number).
Goto 'Format - Cells' and choose a different format.

HTH
Frank
 
It is because it is seen as text, copy an empty cell, select the range and
do edit>paste special and select add.
Now they values should change from left aligned to right aligned and you
should be able to sort correctly
 
you could try to select the column, go to Format, Cells,
and then make sure 'Number' is selected on the list. This
should resolve the problem
 
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