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Posted to microsoft.public.excel.misc
Kevin B
 
Posts: n/a
Default Sorting: Sorting by the First Character

Insert a helper column to the right of the number and in the first row enter
the following formula:

=VALUE(LEFT(A1,1))

Then copy the formula down the column and sort your data on the helper
column results. After the sort you can delete the helper column

The Left function extracts the first character of the value, and the value
function converts it back to a number so you can sort it numerically.
--
Kevin Backmann


"dzuy" wrote:

I'm looking to sort my data by looking at the first character only. Here's an
example data set:

21
100
4020
56
32

I want this data set to look like this:

100
21
32
4020
56

I think it may require some programming, but I'm not sure. And I haven't the
slightest idea on how to program. Can anyone help shed some light on my
issue? Thanks!