I've just spent the past hour trying to sort a list of birthdates. I also
learned I don't know near as much about excel as I thought. Anyway, I've
created a table that has 4 columns in it: last name, first name, d.o.b., and
lot number (this is for a residential community). I'm all the columns are in
text form. I need to sort the list by month of birth, while keeping the names
and lot numbers attached to the right DOB. All the columns are currently
filled out, I just need to learn how to sort them correctly. Any suggestions
would be very helpful! My e-mail is

create a "helper" column with the months e.g :

=MONTH(C2)

where column C has d.o.b. Copy down as required

Sort on helper column.

HTH

"MCR" wrote:

I've just spent the past hour trying to sort a list of birthdates. I also
learned I don't know near as much about excel as I thought. Anyway, I've
created a table that has 4 columns in it: last name, first name, d.o.b., and
lot number (this is for a residential community). I'm all the columns are in
text form. I need to sort the list by month of birth, while keeping the names
and lot numbers attached to the right DOB. All the columns are currently
filled out, I just need to learn how to sort them correctly. Any suggestions
would be very helpful! My e-mail is

MCR

Posting your real email address in these news groups will get you a ton of spam
in your inbox from now on.

Now....to your problem.

Assuming columns A to D are your data columns with dob in column C

In E1 enter =MONTH(C1).

Double-click on the fill handle of C1 to copy down.

Select all columns and DataSort. Sort on Column E.

REMEMBER to always select the complete range.........don't let Excel guess.


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP

On Thu, 5 Oct 2006 10:49:02 -0700, MCR wrote:

I've just spent the past hour trying to sort a list of birthdates. I also
learned I don't know near as much about excel as I thought. Anyway, I've
created a table that has 4 columns in it: last name, first name, d.o.b., and
lot number (this is for a residential community). I'm all the columns are in
text form. I need to sort the list by month of birth, while keeping the names
and lot numbers attached to the right DOB. All the columns are currently
filled out, I just need to learn how to sort them correctly. Any suggestions
would be very helpful! My e-mail is