Biff,

I think I have figured out why we use SMALL, COUNTIF, < etc. to sort text and just SMALL to sort numbers. If what I think is correct then it is really simple.

From Excel Help:
"Syntax

SMALL(array,k)

Array is an array or range of numerical data for which you want to determine the k-th smallest value."

The keyword is *numerical*. For text data set, we need to use COUNTIF and < to prepare an array of *numbers* for the SMALL functions to use.

{0;3;3;4;5;6;1....} Let me use 4 as an example. 4 means there are 4 items on the data set that are ranked alphabetically before the data item being checked.

Thanks for your help and I have learned so much. I have had fun but then I also ask why I spent so much time on learning how to sort by formula when I can just press the A-Z or Z-A buttons. Maybe this is a sign of me being a___ and I know I am not alone. <G

About first and last values, yes you did say "alphabetically" when you presented me with the formulae. I was busy focusing on the other post about *dragging* down the formula to sort.

I think I can put "sort by formula" to bed now. Have to move on.

Cheers,

Epinn

Yes, you are correct.

Put those formulas in your stash.

Biff

"Epinn" wrote in message
...
Biff,

I think I have figured out why we use SMALL, COUNTIF, < etc. to sort text
and just SMALL to sort numbers. If what I think is correct then it is
really simple.

From Excel Help:
"Syntax

SMALL(array,k)

Array is an array or range of numerical data for which you want to
determine the k-th smallest value."

The keyword is *numerical*. For text data set, we need to use COUNTIF and <
to prepare an array of *numbers* for the SMALL functions to use.

{0;3;3;4;5;6;1....} Let me use 4 as an example. 4 means there are 4 items
on the data set that are ranked alphabetically before the data item being
checked.

Thanks for your help and I have learned so much. I have had fun but then I
also ask why I spent so much time on learning how to sort by formula when I
can just press the A-Z or Z-A buttons. Maybe this is a sign of me being
a___ and I know I am not alone. <G

About first and last values, yes you did say "alphabetically" when you
presented me with the formulae. I was busy focusing on the other post about
*dragging* down the formula to sort.

I think I can put "sort by formula" to bed now. Have to move on.

Cheers,

Epinn