Go to Tools/Options/Custom Lists. Create a new list N, W, S, E.

Then insert a column to the left of your data. Use Left(b1,1) (Im assuming
your data is now in cell B1 since we inserted a column- change if you need
to) to create a cheater column. Copy this formula down the length of your
table.

then select the cheater column you created and the rest of your table. Goto
Data/Sort. First sort key should be your cheater column. Hit options
button. For first key sort order, select the custom list you created.

Hope this helps.

"Chris Hoagland" wrote:

i need to sort a column for addresses. i can get it to sort somewhat.

example

n 7 ave e
n 7 ave w
s 8 ave e
s 8 ave w
w 7 st s
e 7 st s
w 8 st n

i would like to sort them by n w s e
it puts them in n s but alphabetizes the w e ones

any help?