Aug 13, 2021
Any time I try and sort. It sorts. For less than a second. Then it reverts back to the original sort
Ok, so I have a very simple sheet with only 2 columns for a class I'm on. (This has happened on multiple labs and projects btw, so it ain't just this one file)
So i'm wanting to sort per say: Column B. I tried multiple ways, by selecting column B, going to data, then selecting "Sort sheet by column B > Z-A" , I've selected the whole sheet and also just the column, went to data, created filter, then tried to hit sort z-a that way.
Every time I do so, It sorts. Then instantly reverts back to the original order it was in. Is there a setting I have set wrong that i changed by mistake? or what?
Also, I've attempted this on my personal PC at home, an HP laptop at work, my mom's HP laptop, my GF's HP laptop.
I've also tried on both the edge and chrome browser (The class i'm taking doesn't have support on Firefox)
What do I need to do?
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Glad you got it figured out.
Pivot Tables count as "formulas" for this exercise, basically anything that automatically creates more than one value somewhere will behave this way.
Original Poster EDWIN WHITNEY marked this as an answer
All Replies (3)
How is the data entered in the columns you are sorting by. If the data is entered using a formula that has an internal sort or is sorted elsewhere (QUERY or FILTER, etc.) then sorting that way won't stick and will behave exactly as you are describing it.
The fix would be to sort at a formula level (using an "order by" clause in QUERY or wrapping a FILTER with a SORT function, etc.) OR to use a Filter View (Data menu > Filter Views > Create a new filter view) to sort the data instead of trying to permanently sort the data. The Filter View method isn't permanent so it should let you view data in an alternative sort without it getting undone by the function.
If that isn't enough, can you share a copy of your sheet or create a sample sheet for us to take a look at? Instructions here: Sheets Tips for Posting
Aug 13, 2021
Its a pivot table of another sheet. I didn't use any formulas. But it has.....
ugh... Just figured out the problem. I'm a moron.. I have to sort it using the pivot table editor. *facepalm*
Glad you got it figured out.
Pivot Tables count as "formulas" for this exercise, basically anything that automatically creates more than one value somewhere will behave this way.
Original Poster EDWIN WHITNEY marked this as an answer