sorting numerical data
 

I need to sort a column say "c" which contains numerical data. When i press
"a to z sort" button the numerical data is sorted as alphabetical data i.e
it ignores positive and negative signs and after 10, the value 100 comes
and 20 then -20 then 200 like this. How to sort this data in ascending or
descending order?

sorting numerical data
 

It may look like numerical data to you, but Access is seeing it as text
data.

Options include:
- If in a table: Changing the data type of the field. If there are
relationships involved this might not be possible or advisable.
- Create a query that mimics your current data source but coerce that
field to numeric with the appropriate function: Cdbl(), Clng(), etc. Then
sort on the coerced numbers.

HTH,


"ezil" wrote in message
...
I need to sort a column say "c" which contains numerical data. When i press
"a to z sort" button the numerical data is sorted as alphabetical data i.e
it ignores positive and negative signs and after 10, the value 100 comes
and 20 then -20 then 200 like this. How to sort this data in ascending or
descending order?

sorting numerical data
 

Oops. Excel newsgroup, Access answer. Try again:

It may look like numerical data to you, but Excel is seeing it as text
data.

One approach:
- Find an empty cell. Place the number 1 in it. Format the cell the way
you want all your numbers to appear.
- Copy that formatted cell.
- Select the range containing the "text" you want to convert to numbers.
- EditPasteSpecial: select BOTH [Values & Number Formats] and
Multiply. Click OK

Try your sort again and your results should be as expected.
HTH,


"George Nicholson" wrote in message
...
It may look like numerical data to you, but Access is seeing it as text
data.

Options include:
- If in a table: Changing the data type of the field. If there are
relationships involved this might not be possible or advisable.
- Create a query that mimics your current data source but coerce that
field to numeric with the appropriate function: Cdbl(), Clng(), etc. Then
sort on the coerced numbers.

HTH,


"ezil" wrote in message
...
I need to sort a column say "c" which contains numerical data. When i
press
"a to z sort" button the numerical data is sorted as alphabetical data
i.e
it ignores positive and negative signs and after 10, the value 100 comes
and 20 then -20 then 200 like this. How to sort this data in ascending or
descending order?