How to Sort Numbers in a Table

You can sort numbers in a table by columns.

Word processors help you sort data within tables more quickly, whether you're working with text or numbers. Like text, numbers may be sorted in ascending or descending order. Depending on your application, you can instruct the application to skip the first row if it includes a header. If you have multiple columns, you may prioritize the columns you want to sort by first. WordPerfect and OpenOffice use key definitions to set the sorting order. A key definition of 1 has first priority.

Instructions

In Word

1. Go to the table containing the numbers you want to sort.

2. Select the "Layout" tab and click "Sort" from the "Data" group. The "Sort" dialog box displays.

3. Click the "Sort by" drop-down list and select the first column you want to prioritize in your sort.

4. Select "Number" for the "Type" and pick "Ascending" or "Descending" order.

5. Choose "Header row" if your list includes a header row.

6. Choose the next column of numbers (you wish to sort if applicable) from the "Then by" drop-down list. Repeat Step 4. You may sort up to three columns.

7. Click "OK."

In WordPerfect

1. Place your cursor within the table you want to sort and select "Tools" and "Table" from the menu. The "Sort" dialog box appears.

2. Choose "First cell in a table row" under "Sort by." Click the "Edit" button. The "Edit Sort" dialog box appears.

3. Go to the "Sort by" section and select "Table row" or "Column."

4. Go to the "Key definitions" section and change the type to "Numeric." If you have multiple columns you want to sort, choose the key for the first column (by order of preference).

5. Choose "Ascending" or "Descending" for the "Sort order" and enter the column number into the "Column" text field. To sort numbers in additional columns, click the "Add Key" button and repeat steps four and five.

6. Click "OK" to close the "Edit Sort" dialog box and "Sort" to sort the table numerically.

In OpenOffice Writer

1. Highlight the table containing the numbers you want to sort. Select "Table" and "Sort" from the menu. The "Sort" dialog box appears.

2. Check "Key 1" for the sort preference.

3. Click the "Column" drop-down list and select the column containing the numbers you wish to sort.

4. Change "Key type" to "Numeric" and choose "Ascending" or "Descending" order.

5. Choose the sort direction, "Columns" or "Rows." To sort another column, select the "Key 2" and repeat step four. Click "OK."

References

• Microsoft Office: Sorting Tables in Word
• Corel: Sorting Tables in WordPerfect
• Linuxtopia: Sorting Tables in OpenOffice