How to Sort Multiple Columns in Excel Independently of Each Other (2 Easy Ways)

We have a dataset of fruits with their delivery information and quantities. We are going to sort those columns independently.

Method 1 – Using VBA Code

Steps:

• Go to the Developer tab.
• Select the Visual Basic command.
• The visual basic window will appear.

• Select Insert.
• Choose Module.
• A module will appear.

• In the module, insert the following code and save it.

Sub Sort_multiple_columns()
    Dim xRg As Range 'Declare range for Columns
    Dim yRg As Range 'Declare range for Rows
    Dim Am_ws As Worksheet 'Name the WorkSheet
    Set Am_ws = ActiveSheet
    On Error Resume Next
    Set xRg = Application.InputBox(Prompt:="Range Selection:", _
                                    Title:="Sort Multiple Columns", Type:=8)
    Application.ScreenUpdating = False
    For Each yRg In xRg
        With Am_ws.Sort
            .SortFields.Clear
            .SortFields.Add Key:=yRg, Order:=xlAscending
            .SetRange Am_ws.Range(yRg, yRg.End(xlDown))
            .Header = xlNo
            .MatchCase = False
            .Apply
        End With
    Next yRg
    Application.ScreenUpdating = True
End Sub

• Go to the Developer tab.
• Choose Macros. You’ll get a Macros window

• Select the code name.
• Click on Run.
• You’ll get an input box.

• Select the B5:F15 range as the desired range.
• Click OK.

• All the columns will be sorted independently.

Method 2 – Sort Multiple Columns in Excel Independently of Each Other by String Length

Steps:

• Select the B13 cell and insert:

• Hit the Enter button.
• The B5:B10 range will be sorted by the text length.

• Choose the C13 cell and enter:

• Press Enter.
• The C5:C10 range will be sorted according to lower to greater numbers.

• Choose the D13 cell and enter the following formula:

• Press the Enter button.
• Consequently, we will have a sorted D5:D10 range according to earlier to later date.

• Select the E13 cell and insert the following formula:

• Press Enter.
• The E5:E10 range will be sorted.

• Click on the F13 cell and type the formula below:

• Hit Enter.
• The column will be sorted by lowest to highest prices.

Download the Practice Workbook

Further Readings

• How to Sort Alphabetically in Excel with Multiple Columns
• How to Sort Two Columns in Excel to Match
• Sort Columns in Excel Without Mixing Data

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