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How to sort data by custom list in Excel?

Author Kelly Last modified

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.

A screenshot of a sales table sorted by a custom list in Excel

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.

A screenshot of the Sort & Filter options in the Data tab in Excel

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.

A screenshot of the Sort dialog box with Custom List selected in Excel

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

A screenshot of the Custom Lists dialog box in Excel

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

The selected data will now be sorted by the custom list immediately.

Note: the custom list you apply for sorting must have been created before. Click to learn How to create a new custom list.

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