The Sort by Cell Color Function is Not Working in Excel – 3 Solutions

Reasons

One of the main reasons is Conditional Formatting. In the image below, the sort cell by color function is not working due to Conditional Formatting.

excel sort by cell color not working


This is the sample dataset.

excel sort by cell color not working


Solution 1 – Applying the Sort Command

To sort values earned by the sales representatives:

Step 1:

  • Select  E5:E14.
  • In the Data tab, go to

Data → Sort & Filter → Sort

Apply Sort Command to Solve the Sort by Cell Color Not Working Error in Excel

  • In the Sort Warning dialog box will, select Expand the selection in What do you want to do?
  • Click Sort.

Step 2:

  • In the new dialog box (Sort),  select Rev Earned in Sort by.
  • Select Cell Color in Sort on.
  • Select light golden in Order.
  • Choose On Top.
  • Click OK.

This is the output.

Apply Sort Command to Solve the Sort by Cell Color Not Working Error in Excel

Read More: [Solved!] Excel Sort Not Working


Solution 2 – Use the Fill Color Command

Steps:

  • Select B4:E14.
  • Press Ctrl + T.
  • In Create Table, click OK.

Use Fill Color Command to Fix the Sort by Cell Color Not Working Error in Excel

A table will be created.

  • Click Product.
  • In the new window, select  Sort by Color.
  • Choose Light Blue.

This is the output.

Use Fill Color Command to Fix the Sort by Cell Color Not Working Error in Excel

Read More: [Fixed!] Sort and Filter Not Working in Excel


Solution 3 – Remove the Conditional Formatting

Steps:

  • Select E5:E14.

Remove Conditional Formatting to Fix the Sort by Cell Color Not Working Error in Excel

  • In the Home tab, go to

 Styles → Conditional Formatting → Clear Rules → Clear Rules from Entire Sheet

This is the output.

Remove Conditional Formatting to Fix the Sort by Cell Color Not Working Error in Excel

Read More: Excel Not Sorting Numbers Correctly


 

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Md. Abdur Rahim Rasel
Md. Abdur Rahim Rasel

MD. ABDUR RAHIM is a marine engineer proficient in Excel and passionate about programming with VBA. He views programming as an efficient means to save time while managing data, handling files, and engaging with the internet. His interests extend to Rhino3D, Maxsurf C++, AutoCAD, Deep Neural Networks, and Machine Learning, reflecting his versatile skill set. He earned a B.Sc in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from BUET, and now he has become a content developer, creating technical content... Read Full Bio

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