EXCEL: How to Turn the Heading Row “On” or “Off”

When we work in Excel (Spreadsheets) whether for numbers or data management, it's always best to be sure that we've typed in a heading row, so that when we sort a column - it will be easier to understand the meaning of the data. By default, the value in the heading is not included in the sort operation.

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Occasionally, you may need to turn on or off the heading so that the value in the heading is or is not included in the sort operation. Do one of the following:

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<li>To exclude the first row of data from the sort because it is a column heading, on the Home tab, in the Editing group, click Sort &amp; Filter, click Custom Sort, and then select My data has headers. </li>

<li>To include the first row of data in the sort because it is not a column heading, on the Home tab, in the Editing group, click Sort &amp; Filter, click Custom Sort, and then clear My data has headers.</li>

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Sorting Data in Excel

Excel makes it very easy to sort data that is entered in multiple columns, by using the SORT buttons (A-Z or Z-A)… So be sure when you are entering your data, to put information in as many individual columns as possible – In my opinion you can never have too many columns to sort data with..

Make sure before you give the command to SORT that you have highlighted the active sheet, so that all information in the columns and rows will then “move” when the information is sorted…

Excel Sort Data by One Column:

• Select all the cells in the list
• Choose Data>Sort
• When the Sort Dialog Box opens, be sure to check off that your list has a “header row” so you will see the data – not the column ID letter
• From the Sort by dropdown, select the column you want to sort. Note: If the dropdown is showing Column letters instead of headings, change the setting for My list has, from No header row to Header row.
• Select to sort in Ascending or Descending order

Excel Sort Data by multiple Columns:

Such as when we are entering data for our contacts to prepare a mailing list – we might want to sort by Last Name, First Name and then Spouses Name which are in 3 three columns. So we will sort it all at once, but giving different levels 1 would be Last Name; 2 would be First Name and then last the Spouses Name…starting with the most important sort.

• Select all the cells in the list.
• Choose Data>Sort
• When the Sort Dialog Box opens, be sure to check off that your list has a “header row” so you will see the data – not the column ID letter
• From the Sort by dropdown, select Last Name.
• From the Then by dropdown, select First Name.
• From the Then by dropdown, select Spouses Name.
• Click OK

Note about Excel 2007 and 2010

• The SORT BUTTON is on the HOME TAB to the far right in the Editing quadron and also in the DATA TAB in the Sort & Filter quadron
• When the Sort Dialog Box Opens you will see one SORT field, but you can add as many levels for sorting as you would like.…