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How to rank data by alphabetical order in Excel?

Author Sun Last modified

The general Rank function only ranks correctly when values are numeric. If there is text that needs to be ranked alphabetically, it may produce errors, as shown below. Are there any quick ways to rank data alphabetically in Excel?

An example showing ranking errors when sorting text alphabetically in Excel

Rank based on alphabetical order

arrow blue right bubble Rank based on alphabetical order

Here, I’ll introduce a formula that can help.

Select a cell where you will place the result, type this formula =COUNTIF($B$2:$B$10,"<="&B2) and drag fill handle down to the cells which need to fill with this formula.

In the formula, B2:B10 is the range you want to rank by alphabetical, B2 is the first cell you want to rank.

A screenshot showing the formula result for alphabetical ranking in Excel

Tip. If you want to sort names by the last name, please try to use the Kutools for Excel’s Advanced Sort as shown in the following screenshot. Download and have a free trial now!

A screenshot of Kutools for Excel's Advanced Sort tool for sorting by last name

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