How to sort this dataset in Calc?

users
#1

I have a dataset like this. There are empty rows.
Is there a way to sort these values by choosing the first column?

90 e
5 a

15 d

95 f
12 c
7 b

96 g

#2

Hi Arda,

I have a dataset like this. There are empty rows.
Is there a way to sort these values by choosing the first column?

(1) Select the whole range from "90" on the top left to "g" on the
bottom right, including the empty cells.

(2) Use the TAB-Key to navigate the active cell within your
selection to a position in the first column.

(3) Click the Sort-Icon

Stefan

#3

The trick suggested by Stefan does work perfectly (must be a hidden feature
:wink: )

But the most "organized" way to do it is to add a first row with titles for
the columns (e.g. Numbers, Letters) and then select all the data including
headers and press the sort icon (or select Data, Sort to see more advanced
options)

#4

Thank you, it works. :slight_smile:

I wish it could also be done by clicking on Column A and clicking on the Sort Icon (simpler)

#5

Hi Arda,

I wish it could also be done by clicking on Column A and clicking on
the Sort Icon (simpler)

No, not simpler, because when you click on column A, how should your
Computer know, that you do not want to sort only the values in
column A, but move also the corresponding values in column B?

Stefan

#6

Hi Arda,

Thank you, it works. :slight_smile:

I wish it could also be done by clicking on Column A and clicking on the
Sort Icon (simpler)

This works too - but it has one drawback:

*It only sorts the column that is highlighted* the rest of the other columns
stay as they are.

So, I don't think, that this is what you want to achieve.

Sigrid

#7

Actually it does work. Just select columns A and B and press the sort icon or
choose Data, Sort for more options.

The only situation where LO and OOo don't accept whole columns is in cell
formulas :frowning:

#8

Hi :slight_smile:

The problem is that sometimes you might want to sort Column A independently of
the other columns but at other times you want the whole worksheet to get sorted
keeping the rows or "record's fields" together.

Excel has made a mistake in trying to muddle those 2 separate functions together
so now their results are unpredictable or is difficult to get working the
non-default way. I think Calc still offers the versatility allowing single
columns to be sorted without changing the order of other columns.

Base is excellent if you want to keep all the fields of a record together and
can use tables/worksheets without having to change their formats.

Regards from
Tom :slight_smile:

#9

Hallo Sigrid,

*It only sorts the column that is highlighted* the rest of the other columns
stay as they are.

I know what you mean. But since some time, in this case Calc shows a
special Dialog asking the user, if he really means, what he is
doing. (which I don´t like, BTW) :wink:

However this Dialog and the options it provides do not handle the
case with empty rows...

Stefan

#10

Hi,

Actually it does work. Just select columns A and B and press the sort icon

Not exactly. In this case the sort criteria would be the values in
column B. As said in my first posting: You need to move the active
cell to a position in column A first.

Stefan

#11

Yeh, if you want all the columns sorted then it is best to open with Base
instead of Calc. It sounds as though your spreadsheet is now really a database
and needs database functionality instead of spreadsheet functionality. Don't
panic! It is quite easy to use!

Alternatively in Calc just select the full range of the data that all needs to
get sorted and either get the white cell into the right column using the tab key
or use an advanced sort to sort on multiple columns at the same time or to
specify which column to sort on.

Regards from
Tom :slight_smile:

#12

Ms Excel does it :slight_smile:

#13

Hi Tom,

you still do not follow the hints from "LearnToQuote", do you?

Yeh, if you want all the columns sorted then it is best to open with Base
instead of Calc. It sounds as though your spreadsheet is now really a database
and needs database functionality instead of spreadsheet functionality.

Yes, but a database would not have empty rows. If empty rows are a
part of the use case, one will have to stick to the spreadsheet. :wink:

Stefan

#14

Stefan, you can either move the cell or use Data, Sort instead.

I prefer to see the options I'm choosing instead of relying on focus.

Regarding selecting only one column, currently LO and OOo have the same
behaviour as Excel 2003 (I refuse to use newer versions): ask if the user
wants to expand the selection. Which I think is the best solution: ask the
user instead of trying to guess what s/he is doing...

#15

Excel makes a right mess of this. It does do it but if someone emails you a
spreadsheet it is difficult to predict how it will behave. Another reason for
accountants and other people that need to work with spreadsheets a lot to
mistrust spreadsheet programs!

Regards from
Tom :slight_smile: