Sorting columns Numerically... Help!

[mcalla]

What I am attempting to do is sort a column in my excel spreadsheet i
numeric order (descending). I go to the Data Menu/Select Sort. I
sorts the numbers, however, it sorts it in the following manner:
Ex:
80
80
750
75
75
600
60
60
550
525
500
50
I don't understand why it isn't sorting in the proper numeric order.
It considers "750" just like it is "75". If anyone has a clue as t
why this is happening and how to fix it please please let me know!

 

[Norman Harker]

Hi mcalla!

Your numbers may appear to be numbers but are in fact text.

Convert to numbers using:

Select an empty cell
Copy
Select the range of "text" numbers
Edit > Paste Special > Add > OK

Now try a sort.

--
Regards
Norman Harker MVP (Excel)
Sydney, Australia
(e-mail address removed)
Excel and Word Function Lists (Classifications, Syntax and Arguments)
available free to good homes.

 

[Frank Kabel]

Hi

looks like this row is formated as text (not gerneral or number).
Goto 'Format - Cells' and choose a different format.

HTH
Frank

 

[Peo Sjoblom]

It is because it is seen as text, copy an empty cell, select the range and
do edit>paste special and select add.
Now they values should change from left aligned to right aligned and you
should be able to sort correctly

 

[Guest]

you could try to select the column, go to Format, Cells,
and then make sure 'Number' is selected on the list. This
should resolve the problem