How to Sort by Date in Google Sheets (2024) [Easy Guide + Examples + Fix Common Errors] 

Contents

1. How to sort by date in Google Sheets [2022]

2. How to sort multiple columns 

3. Why can't I sort by date in Google Sheets? What to do when sort isn’t working as expected 

4. How to sort by day of week in Google Sheets

5. How to sort by month in Google Sheets

How to Sort by Date in Google Sheets [2024] 

Looking to sort your rows by date in Google Sheets? Here’s how. 

As a marketer, we often work with data from multiple platforms, which have different ways of formatting date values. 

Sorting multiple columns by date can there be fiddly and lead to frustration. Though fortunately there are a number of steps we can take to make the process much smoother.  

In order to sort by date in Google Sheets, you need to ensure that your date values are formatted as date values so that they can be correctly understood

One easy way to check this is with the ISDATE function. As long as your date values return TRUE then you’ve validated that your dates are actual dates, and the sort should then work. 

[code] = ISDATE() 

The Easiest Way to Sort by Date in Google Sheets

Step 1) Ensure that your data has a header row, and then add a filter 

Highlight the whole dataset with CTRL + A (Command+A on Mac) and select “Create a filter”

Step 2) Select the date column, and sort A-Z or Z-A

How to Sort by Multiple Columns in Google Sheets 

Here’s the easiest way to sort by multiple columns. Navigate to Data > Sort Range > Advanced Range Sorting Options

Step 1) Highlight the whole dataset with CTRL + A (Command+A on Mac)

Step 2) Navigate to Data > Sort Range > Advanced Range Sorting Options

Step 3) Select Data has header row > Add another sort column

Why Can't I Sort by Date in Google Sheets? What to Do When Sort isn’t Working as Expected

Is ISDATE returning FALSE and your sort not working? Here are some steps you can take to fix it

1. Confirm the date format

This one perhaps seems obvious, but could easily trip you up if changing between US and UK date formats. E.g. If you’re working in the format DD/MM/YY then 13/12/1999 is an actual date, but not in the format MM/DD/YY

2. Confirm your date is an actual date

This may happen if the date was input manually. If you’re working with manually inputted data, confirm that the date is an actual date. E.g. “Tuesday 8th August 2022” is not an actual date. This will prevent it from being recognised as a date. White space is fine. 

How to Sort by Day of the Week in Google Sheets

In order to sort by day of the week, you’ll need to calculate a day of the week for each date value in your data by using the WEEKDAY function

Here’s how to do it:

1. Insert a new column next to the date column called Day of Week

2. Add a WEEKDAY function in the blank column, referencing the date column. Select from type 1, 2 or 3 from the options below

Type 1 - Week starts on Sunday and the value of Sunday is 1

Type 2 - Week starts on Monday and the value of Monday is 1

Type 3 - Week starts on Monday and the value of Sunday is 6

3. Ensure the date format is number and sort the WEEKDAY column A-Z

   
   

How to Sort by Month in Google Sheets

In order to sort by month in Google Sheets, you’ll need to assign a month value for each date value in your data by using the MONTH function, which will return the month that the date value falls in

You’ll need to ensure your date value is formatted as a date for MONTH to work

Here’s how to do it:

1. Insert a new column next to the date column called Month

2. Add a MONTH function in the blank column, referencing the date column. Select from type 1, 2 or 3 from the options below

3. Ensure the date format is number and sort the MONTH column A-Z

Final Thoughts

The easiest way to sort by date in Google Sheets is to ensure you have header rows, highlight all your data and use the filter. As an alternative, you can also use Data > Sort Range. 

If this isn’t working, then ensure your date values are actual date values and you’re using the correct date format, and check this using ISDATE

To sort by either week or month, you’ll need to assign a week or month value to your date using either WEEKDAY or MONTH.