How to Sort Data in Excel Chart (5 Easy Methods)

In the following dataset, you can see the Product and Sales columns. Using this dataset, we will insert a Bar chart.

Dataset to Sort Data in Excel Chart

  • Select the entire dataset and go to the Insert tab.
  • From the Insert Column or Bar Chart group, select a 2D Clustered Bar chart.

We will use the bar chart to show how you can sort data.

Bar Chart to Sort Data in Excel Chart


Method 1 – Using the Sort Feature to Sort Data in an Excel Chart

Steps:

  • Insert a Bar chart by following the steps described earlier.
  • Select cells B4:C9 and go to the Data tab.
  • From the Sort & Filter group, select the Sort option.

  • A Sort dialog box will appear.
  • Click on the downward arrow of the Order box and select Smallest to Largest.
  • Click OK.

Using Sort Feature to Sort Data in Excel Chart

  • You can see the dataset has been sorted and the Bar chart along with it.

Read More: How to Edit Chart Data in Excel


Method 2 – Using the Format Axis Feature in Excel

Steps:

  • Insert a Bar chart by following the steps described earlier.

Use of Format Axis Feature to Sort Data in Excel Chart

  • Select the Y axis of the Bar chart and right-click on it.
  • Select Format Axis from the Context Menu.

  • A Format Axis dialog box will appear on the right side of the Excel sheet.
  • Mark the Categories in reverse order box.

  • You can see the sorted chart in Excel. The data table of the chart remains the same.

Read More: How to Change X-Axis Values in Excel


Method 3 – Sorting the Data Table to Sort Chart Data

Steps:

  • Select the dataset from cells B4:C9 and go to the Insert tab.
  • From the Tables group, select Table.

  • A Create Table dialog box will appear.
  • Make sure My table has headers is marked and click OK.

Inserting a Table to Sort Data in Excel Chart

  • Excel converts the data into a Table.

  • Insert a Bar chart using the steps described earlier.
  • Click on the drop-down arrow of the Sales column.

  • Select the Sort Largest to Smallest option.
  • This will sort the Table and the chart from largest to smallest.

  • You can see the sorted data in an Excel chart on the screenshots.


Method 4 – Utilizing the SHIFT Key and Mouse to Sort Data

Steps:

  • Insert a Bar chart using the steps described earlier.

Use of SHIFT key and Mouse to Sort Data in Excel Chart

  • Select cells B5 and C5 and hold the Shift key.

  • A four-directional arrow will pop up.
  • While holding the SHIFT key, click and drag the cells to the desired place.

  • We moved the cells to B7 and C7.
  • Release the Mouse and Shift.


Method 5 – Inserting a Pivot Table to Sort Data in an Excel Chart

Steps:

  • Select cells B4:C9.
  • From the Insert tab, select the PivotChart group.
  • Select Pivot Chart.

  • A Create PivotChart dialog box will appear.
  • Select New Worksheet and click OK.

  • A PivotTable Fields dialog will appear in a new Worksheet.
  • Drag Product into the Rows group.
  • Drag Sales into the Values group.

  • Click on Product of the Column chart.

Using Pivot Table to Sort Data in Excel Chart

  • Select Sort Z to A.
  • This will sort the chart data from Z to A in alphabetical order.

  • Both charts have also been sorted alphabetically from Z to A.

Sorting Data Alphabatically in Excel Chart


Practice Section

You can download the sample Excel file to practice.


Download Practice Workbook


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Afia Kona
Afia Kona

Afia Aziz Kona, a graduate of NAME from Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology, Bangladesh, serves as a technical content creator in the ExcelDemy project. Possessing a passion for innovation and critical thinking, she actively embraces challenges. Beyond her engineering background, Afia exhibits a keen interest in Excel, having authored numerous articles on Excel & VBA-related issues to simplify the experience for users facing obstacles in Excel. Apart from creating Excel tutorials, she is also interested... Read Full Bio

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