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How to sort mixed zip codes (5 digits and 9 digits) ascending in Excel?

Author Sun Last modified

As we know, there are two types of zip codes, one is 5-digits series, and the other is the 9-digits series. In this case, there is a list mixed with these two types of zip codes, the job is to sort the zip codes by first five basic digits as below screenshot shown, how can you quickly handle it?
sort mixed zip codes

Sort mixed zip codes with a helper column

arrow blue right bubble Sort mixed zip codes with a helper column

You can create a helper column and use a formula to extract the first five digits from the zip codes, then sort by this helper column.

1. Select a blank cell next to the zip codes, and then enter this formula =LEFT(C2,5), drag fill handle down to the cells you need. See screenshot:
apply a formula to extract first 5 digits

2. Then all the first five zip codes have been extracted. Click Data tab, go to Sort & Filter group to select a sorting order you need, in the Sort Warning dialog, check Expand the selection. See screenshot:
click data > sort
check Expand the selection in the dialog box

3. Click Sort. Now the range have been sorted by the zip codes’ first five digits.
the range are sorted by the zip codes’ first five digits

Tip.If you want to sort data by the last name, please try to use the Kutools for Excel’s Advanced sort as shown in the following screenshot. It’s full function without limitation in 30 days, please download and have a free trial now.

advanced sort last name by kutools

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