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How to sort linked data and keep formulas in Excel?

Author Sun Last modified

If a list of cells have some formulas or linked to other cells in the same sheet, the linked data will be changed while sorting the cells as below screenshot shown. In this article, I will talk about the methods on sorting the linked data and keep formulas in Excel.

original data arrow right sort linked data and keep formulas

Sort linked data and keep formulas with shortcuts

Sort linked data and keep formulas with Kutools for Excelgood idea3

Sort linked data and keep formulas with shortcuts

To sort linked data and keep formulas without changed, you can change the references in formulas to an absolute reference, then sorting the data. Therefore the data will keep the formulas even if their orders change.

Select the formula cell, select the formula in the formula bar, and press F4 key to change the reference to absolute reference.

Tip: If there are several references in one cell, you need to change the references one by one by selecting and press F4 key in the formula bar.
press F4 key to toggle to absolute reference

Then change the references in other formula cells to absolute one by one.

original data arrow right change the references in other formula cells to absolute one by one

 

Now the formulas are kept while sorting.

Sort linked data and keep formulas with Kutools for Excel

To change the references one by one is time-consuming, but with the Convert Refers utility in Kutools for Excel, you can quickly change all references in a range of absolute references as you need.

Kutools for Excel offers over 300 advanced features to streamline complex tasks, boosting creativity and efficiency. Itegarate with AI capabilities, Kutools automates tasks with precision, making data management effortless. Detailed information of Kutools for Excel...         Free trial...

After installing Kutools for Excel, please do as below:

1. Select the cells you want to change the reference, click Kutools > More (in the Formula group) > Convert Refers.
click Convert Refers feature of kutools

2. In the Convert Formula References dialog, check To absolute option. See screenshot:
check To absolute option in the dialog box

3. Click Ok. Then all selection have been converted to absolute references.

4. Then you can sort the data.

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