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How to Sort Data by a Custom Order in Excel

Tap through each step to sort your data in a custom order.

  1. Select the data range to sort

    Select the range of data you want sorted in a specific order.

  2. Go to Data > Sort

    On the "Data" tab, click "Sort" to open the Sort dialog box.

  3. Choose "Custom List..." from the Order dropdown

    In the "Order" dropdown, select "Custom List..." instead of A to Z or Z to A.

  4. Create or select a list

    Type a new list in your desired order, such as "High, Medium, Low," or select one of the existing built-in lists.

  5. Why it is useful

    When you need to sort by a specific logical order β€” like High to Low priority β€” instead of alphabetical or numeric order, a custom list makes it possible.

Not everything sorts well alphabetically

Values like "High, Medium, Low" or "Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced" lose their meaning when sorted alphabetically. Creating a custom list lets you sort by the actual logical order you intend instead.

Built-in lists are ready to use immediately

Common sequences such as days of the week or months of the year are already registered as built-in custom lists, so you can select them directly from the Custom Lists dialog without typing anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Once I create a custom list, can I use it in other files too?

Yes. A custom list is stored at the application level, so it is available in any workbook you open on that same installation of Excel.

Are weekday or month orders already built in?

Yes β€” sequences such as "Mon, Tue, Wed..." or "Jan, Feb, Mar..." are already available as built-in lists, so you can select them right away without creating your own.