How to custom sort in ms excel
- George Apostolov
How to custom sort in ms excel: step-by-step guide
Select "File."
Click "Options."
Select "Advance" then scroll and click "Edit Custom List."
Click "NEW LIST" and select the arrow up button beside "Import."
Select the cells you want to sort and click the arrow down.
Tab on the button "Import."
Select "Data."
Click "Sort," choose the List you created, and press "OK."
Select "OK" to finish.
Quick answer: To custom sort in Microsoft Excel, select File and Options, go to Advanced to edit a custom list, create a new list by importing selected cells, and then apply the new list through the Data Sort menu and save with OK.
About this Excel tutorial
Organize your spreadsheet data efficiently in Excel by creating and applying a personalized sorting order using the custom list feature. This guide shows how to custom sort in ms excel in 9 steps, starting with "Select 'File'" and finishing with "Select 'OK' to finish". The interactive demo above is a click-through copy of the real Excel interface, so you can rehearse each step before doing it in your own account.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps does it take to custom sort in ms excel?
9 steps. Each one is listed in order above, and the demo highlights exactly where to click.
Can I try it without changing my own account?
Yes. Clicking through the demo doesn't touch your Excel data or settings. Once you know the flow, repeat it in your own workspace.
This tutorial is filed under Excel. Related guides: How to Delete a Column in MS Excel, How to Delete a Row in MS Excel and How to Delete Blank Pages in Microsoft Excel. Last reviewed 05 Oct 2026.
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