How to Alphabetize in Google Sheets

Sanskar Tiwari

Author: Sanskar Tiwari

Founder at MagicSlides

Published

Quickly learn how to alphabetize text in Google Sheets to keep your data organized and clear

Sorting data alphabetically in Google Sheets is essential when organizing names, lists, product catalogs, or any text-based information.
Whether you're working on a class attendance sheet or managing a list of customers, alphabetizing helps you quickly find and understand your data. Thankfully, Google Sheets makes this process easy and efficient, with multiple options depending on your needs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to alphabetize your data, whether it’s a single column or an entire table.

How to Alphabetize in Google Sheets | Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Open Your Google Sheet

  • Visit Google Sheets and open the spreadsheet you want to organize.
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Step 2: Select the Column to Alphabetize

  • Click and drag to highlight the column that contains the data you want to sort.
  • For example, if you’re sorting names, highlight all the names in one column (including or excluding the header based on your choice).
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Step 3: Sort Alphabetically Using the Menu

  • Click on “Data” in the top menu.
  • Then choose:
    • “Sort sheet A → Z” for ascending (A to Z) order.
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    • “Sort sheet Z → A” for descending (Z to A) order.
  • This will alphabetize the entire sheet based on the selected column.

Step 4: To Sort a Specific Range Only

  • Select the range (e.g., A2:A20), then click:
    • Data > Sort range > Advanced range sorting options
    • Check “Data has header row” if applicable.
    • Choose the column and sort order (A → Z or Z → A).
    • Click “Sort”.

Step 5: Sorting a Table Without Messing Up Other Data

  • Highlight the entire table, not just a single column.
  • Go to Data > Sort range > Advanced range sorting options.
  • Select the column by which you want to alphabetize (e.g., “Name”).
  • This keeps rows intact while alphabetizing based on the selected column.

Conclusion

Alphabetizing data in Google Sheets is a simple yet powerful way to stay organized and efficient.
With just a few clicks, you can sort names, categories, or any other text data to make your spreadsheet more readable and usable. Mastering this skill saves time and enhances clarity in any dataset.

FAQs are here to help!

Will sorting alphabetically rearrange my entire sheet?

Only if you use "Sort sheet." To sort a specific range without affecting other data, use "Sort range."

Can I alphabetize data that includes numbers or special characters?

Yes, but Google Sheets may sort numbers and special characters differently. Alphabetical sorting works best with pure text.

How do I keep the header row from being sorted?

In "Sort range," check the box that says “Data has header row” before sorting.

Can I alphabetize multiple columns at once?

Yes, using “Advanced range sorting options,” you can sort by one column and then by another (secondary sorting)

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