How to Alphabetize in Google Sheets (2026 Guide)
To alphabetize in Google Sheets, select your data, go to Data > Sort range, and choose A to Z. The important part is sorting the whole range, not just one column, so related data stays on the same row. Here is every method, including the SORT function for a sorted copy that updates itself.
1. Sort a Whole Sheet by One Column
The fastest way when your sheet is a single clean table:
- Click any cell inside the column you want to alphabetize by.
- Right-click the column letter at the top.
- Choose Sort sheet A to Z (ascending) or Sort sheet Z to A (descending).
This reorders every row in the sheet based on that column, keeping each row’s data together. Use this when the entire sheet is one table and you want it sorted by, say, last name.
2. Sort a Range and Keep Rows Together
When you only want to sort part of the sheet, or your sheet has a header row, use Sort range so related cells move as a unit.
- Select the full range of data, including every column that belongs together, for example A2:D100 (or include the header and use the option below).
- Go to Data > Sort range > Advanced range sorting options.
- Tick Data has header row if your selection includes the column titles.
- Under Sort by, choose the column (by name if you ticked the header box, otherwise by letter).
- Choose A to Z or Z to A.
- Click Sort.
Selecting only one column and sorting it would scramble your data, because the names move but the values next to them stay put. Always select all related columns, or click a single cell and let Sort range detect the table.
3. Sort by Multiple Columns
To alphabetize by one column, then break ties with another (sort by department, then by name within each department):
- Select the range and open Data > Sort range > Advanced range sorting options.
- Set the first Sort by column (Department, A to Z).
- Click Add another sort column.
- Set the second column (Name, A to Z).
- Click Sort.
Sheets sorts by the first column, then uses the second column to order rows that tie.
4. Alphabetize with the SORT Function
The menu sort changes your data in place. The SORT function returns a sorted copy in a new location, and it updates automatically when the source data changes.
=SORT(range, sort_column, is_ascending)- range: the data to sort, like
A2:C100. - sort_column: which column of the range to sort by, counting from 1.
- is_ascending:
TRUEfor A to Z,FALSEfor Z to A.
Example, alphabetize a list by its first column:
=SORT(A2:C100, 1, TRUE)Sort by the second column, descending:
=SORT(A2:C100, 2, FALSE)Sort by one column then another (add more column/order pairs):
=SORT(A2:C100, 1, TRUE, 2, TRUE)Because SORT is a live formula, edits to the original range reflow into the sorted output instantly. Leave the cells below and to the right of the formula empty so the results have room to spill.
5. Keep Headers Out of the Sort
If you use the menu, tick Data has header row so the title row stays pinned at the top. With the SORT function, start your range below the header (A2 rather than A1) so the labels are never included.
To stop a header from scrolling away as you work, also go to View > Freeze > 1 row.
Quick Reference
| Method | Updates live? | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Right-click column > Sort sheet | No | Whole single-table sheet |
| Data > Sort range | No | Part of a sheet, or with a header |
| Multi-column sort range | No | Tie-breaking by a second column |
=SORT() function | Yes | A sorted copy that refreshes itself |
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More on Google Sheets: How to remove duplicates in Google Sheets · How to use the QUERY function in Google Sheets · How to freeze rows in Google Sheets · Google Sheets integration
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