How to Sort Alphanumeric Data in Excel – 2 Steps

Written by Sabrina Ayon

Last updated: Aug 8, 2024

What Is Alphanumeric Data in Excel?

Alphanumeric is a term used to describe data that consists of both numbers and letters.

The dataset below showcases alphanumeric data in column B.

Step 1- Insert a Formula in a Helper Column

Insert a helper column.
Enter the formula in C5.

=TEXT(B5, "###")

Press Enter.

The TEXT Function will convert data into Text format.
Drag the Fill Handle down or double-click the Plus (+) sign to AutoFill the column.

Data is displayed in text format.

Read More: How to Add Sort Button in Excel

Step 2 – Sort Data in the Helper Column

Sort data in the helper column.
Go to the Data tab.
Click Sort in Sort & Filter .

In the Sort Warning, select Expand the selection.
Click Sort.

In the Sort dialog box, choose the helper column name in the Column.
Enter Cell Values in Sort On.
Choose A to Z.
Click OK.

Read More: How to Sort Data by Value in Excel

Final Output of Alphanumeric Data Sorting in Excel

This is the output.

You can Delete the helper column.

Read More: How to Undo Sort in Excel

Download Practice Workbook

Download the workbook and practice.

Sort Alphanumeric Data.xlsx

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Sabrina Ayon

Sabrina Ayon, a Computer Science and Engineering graduate from United International University, has been an integral part of the ExcelDemy project for two years. She authored 150+ articles, excelling in instructing through visually engaging Excel tutorials. With a passion for teaching, Sabrina conducted sessions on Excel VBA, sharing her knowledge and insights with others. Currently holding the position of Project Manager for the ExcelDemy Visual Development Project, she oversees various aspects of the project, ensuring its smooth operation... Read Full Bio

2 Comments

Reply
Jeff May 2, 2023 at 10:26 PM

This process does not work in Excel (Microsoft® Excel® for Microsoft 365 MSO, Version 2302 Build 16.0.16130.20378, 64-bit) when the data to be sorted is:
C1, C10, C100, C2, C20, C200, C3…
… and you want C1, C2, C3, C10… as the result.
- Reply
  Eshrak Kader May 3, 2023 at 5:20 PM
  
  Hello Jeff,
  
  Thank you for your query. You can find the answer to your question in the Excel file linked to this message.
  
  Sort Alphanumeric.xlsx
  
  Follow the steps shown below to sort alphanumeric data.
  
  Enter the formula into the E5 cell to convert the alphanumeric data to numeric data >> drag the Fill Handle tool to copy the formula to the cells below.
  =VALUE(CONCATENATE(COLUMN(INDIRECT(LEFT(D6,2)&1)),RIGHT(D6,LEN(D6)-1)))
  
  Now, select the E5:E13 range >> click Sort & Filter >> select Sort Smallest to Largest.
  A warning box appears, Expand the selection option is checked by default >> click the Sort button.
  
  That’s it the data will be sorted.
  
  Hope you find this useful. Have a good day.
  
  Regards,
  ExcelDemy.

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