How to sort data by custom list in Excel?

In Excel, while sorting data in ascending or descending order is straightforward, you might occasionally need to sort by a custom sequence for specific needs, such as a specialized name or product list. For instance, if you have a sales table and wish to sort salespersons not by sales volume but in a specific order—Peter, Ann, Marsha, Jim, Cindy, John, and Joe—this guide will show you how to efficiently apply a custom list to organize your data exactly as required.

Please process the following steps:

Step 1: Select the range that you will sort by custom list. In this case, select the range of A2:H8.

Step 2: Click the biggest Sort button in the Sort & Filter group under the Data tab.

You can also click the Custom Sort item from the drop-down list of the Sort & Filter button under the Home tab.

Step 3: In the Sort dialog box, specify the Sort by columns in the Sort by box.

Step 4: In the Order box, select the Custom list from the drop-down list. See the following screenshot.

Step 5: The Custom Lists dialog box pops up, select and highlight the required list from the custom lists box, and click OK.

Step 6: Now you get back to the Sort dialog box, and click OK.

Then it sorts the selected data by the custom list immediately.