Hi Roger

If the formula is showing in the cell, not the result, then it sounds as
though the cell was formatted as Text.
Format the cell as General, then press F2 to edit, followed by Enter.
This should turn it to a formula.

Take note of JE's post about the non-breaking space character, as Trim
will not remove this.
If you find you have a problem after using trim, try
=SUBSTITUTE(SUBSTITUTE(D2,CHAR(160),"")," ","")
Again copy down, then Paste SpecialValues back over the source column.
--
Regards

Roger Govier


"Roger" wrote in message
...
I have tried using TRIM, but all that happens is that I can see the
formula in the cell (ie I can see =TRIM(D2)) and it doesn't actually
work. Do I need to turn this function on somehow to see the result?

Thanks for your help .. Roger
"Roger Govier" wrote in message
...
Hi Roger

it may be that you have some extraneous spaces from your formulae.
Assuming your names are in column A, try entering in another column
= TRIM(A1)
and copy down.
Then copy this helper column and Paste SpecialValues back over the
original column A
Then Sort again.
--
Regards

Roger Govier


"Roger" wrote in message
...
I have a spreadsheet with columns of data. The data is extracted
from a string using either the MID or LEFT functions, and then I use
the TEXT function to make sure it is formatted as text.One column is
surnames which I need to sort alphabetically A .. Z. Instead of
sorting all of the list alphabetically it sorts most of it, then
after Z it has another 20 or so names starting again from A through
to Z.

Am I doing something wrong ... why won't it sort the whole column of
names!

... Roger