How to Sort Columns in Excel Without Mixing Data

To begin, highlight the entire range of data you want to sort. Click and drag your mouse over the cells, or press Ctrl + A to select all the data in your worksheet.

Next, navigate to the ‘Data’ tab in the Excel menu bar. Click on the sorting order: either “A to Z” for ascending order or "Z to A" for descending order.

You can also right-click on the selected data, choose ‘Sort’, and then select your preferred sort option.

As before, highlight the entire range of data you want to sort.

Next, navigate to the ‘Data’ tab in the Excel menu bar. Click on the ‘Sort’ button, which will open the Sort dialog box.

In the Sort dialog box, you will see a drop-down menu under the ‘Column’ heading. Select the primary column you want to sort by. Then, choose the sorting order: either "A to Z" for ascending order or "Z to A" for descending order.

Click the "Add Level" button to add another column to your sorting criteria. Select the next column you want to sort by and choose the sorting order. Repeat this step if needed to add more sorting levels.

Once you have set up your sorting criteria and levels, click the ‘OK’ button to apply the sort.

Excel will sort the data based on the criteria you specified, keeping the integrity of your data intact.

Highlight the entire range of data you want to sort.

Next, go to the ‘Data’ tab in the Excel menu bar. Click on the ‘Sort’ button, which will open the Sort dialog box as before.

In the Sort dialog box, under the "Sort On" drop-down menu, choose "Cell Color”. Select the color you want to sort by and the sorting order (On Top or On Bottom).

If you need to sort by multiple colors, click the "Add Level" button in the Sort dialog box. Select the next color you want to sort by and choose the sorting order. Repeat this step if needed to add more sorting levels.

Once you have set up your color sorting criteria and levels, click the ‘OK’ button to apply the sort.

Excel will sort the data based on the color criteria you specified, keeping the integrity of your data intact.

Highlight the entire range of data you want to sort.

Open the ‘Data’ tab in the Excel menu bar. Click on the ‘Sort’ button, which will open the Sort dialog box as before.

In the Sort dialog box, under the ‘Order’ drop-down menu, choose "Custom List".

This will open the Custom Lists dialog box.

Select a predefined custom list (such as days of the week or months of the year) or create your custom list by entering the items in the order you want. Click ‘Add’ to save the custom list.

After selecting or creating your custom list, click ‘OK’ in the Custom Lists dialog box.

Then, click ‘OK’ again in the Sort dialog box to apply the custom list sort.

Excel will sort the data based on your custom list, keeping the integrity of your data intact.