How to Make Google Sheets Automatically Sort by Date: A Step-by-Step Guide

how to make google sheets automatically sort by date

Organizing information in Google Sheets can be a lifesaver, especially when dealing with dates. Want your data to sort itself automatically by date? It’s easier than you think! By using Google Sheets’ built-in functions and triggers, you can set up your spreadsheet to automatically sort anytime you update it. Let’s dive into the steps to make it happen.

How to Make Google Sheets Automatically Sort by Date

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of setting up your Google Sheets to automatically sort by date. This will save you from the hassle of manually sorting your data every time you make changes. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dynamically sorted spreadsheet in no time.

Step 1: Open your Google Sheet

First things first, open the Google Sheet that you want to work on.

Make sure that your data includes a column with dates. This will be the column that you’ll sort by.

Step 2: Select the Data Range

Highlight the range of cells that you want to sort.

This includes the column with the dates and any other related columns. You can do this by clicking and dragging your mouse over the cells.

Step 3: Open the "Data" Menu

Click on the "Data" menu at the top of the screen.

This menu contains all the options you need for sorting your data.

Step 4: Choose "Create a Filter"

Select "Create a Filter" from the dropdown menu.

This will add small filter icons to the top of each column, which you can use to sort your data.

Step 5: Click the Filter Icon in the Date Column

Click the small filter icon in the header of your date column.

A dropdown menu will appear with sorting options.

Step 6: Select "Sort A-Z" for Ascending Order

Choose "Sort A-Z" to sort your dates in ascending order.

If you want descending order, select "Sort Z-A" instead. Your data will be sorted by date, and you can now set up automatic sorting.

Step 7: Open the Script Editor

Go to "Extensions" and then click on "Apps Script".

This will open a new tab where you can write a script to automate the sorting.

Step 8: Write the Script

Copy and paste the following script into the editor:

function onEdit(e) {
  var sheet = e.source.getActiveSheet();
  var range = sheet.getRange("A2:B10"); // Adjust this range to fit your data
  range.sort({column: 1, ascending: true}); // Change '1' to the date column number
}

This script will sort your data automatically whenever you make an edit.

Step 9: Save and Authorize the Script

Click the disk icon to save the script, then authorize it when prompted.

This will enable the script to interact with your Google Sheet.

Step 10: Test the Script

Make a small edit in your sheet to see if the script works.

If everything is set up correctly, your data should automatically sort by date.

After completing these steps, your Google Sheet will automatically sort by date whenever you make changes. This makes it easier to keep your data organized and up-to-date.

Tips for Making Google Sheets Automatically Sort by Date

• Make sure to adjust the range in the script to fit all your data columns.
• You can modify the script to sort by other columns by changing the ‘column’ value.
• Test the script with a small data set first to ensure it works correctly.
• Use "Sort Z-A" in the script if you prefer descending order.
• Remember to save your work frequently to avoid data loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sort by multiple columns?

Yes, you can modify the script to sort by multiple columns by adding more sort conditions.

Does this work with Google Sheets on mobile?

The script itself will run when you edit the sheet, but writing and editing the script is best done on a desktop.

Will this script slow down my Google Sheet?

If your dataset is very large, it might take a moment to sort. For typical datasets, the impact is minimal.

Can I disable the automatic sorting?

Yes, you can disable it by removing the script from your Google Sheet.

What if I want to sort by time as well?

You can include time in your date formatting and adjust the script to consider the time.

Summary

1. Open your Google Sheet.
2. Select the data range.
3. Open the "Data" menu.
4. Choose "Create a Filter".
5. Click the filter icon in the date column.
6. Select "Sort A-Z" for ascending order.
7. Open the Script Editor.
8. Write the Script.
9. Save and authorize the script.
10. Test the script.

Conclusion

Automating your Google Sheets to sort by date can save you a lot of time and hassle. With a few simple steps and a little bit of scripting, you can keep your data in perfect order without lifting a finger. No more manual sorting or worrying about outdated information—just smooth, automated organization.

If you’re new to scripting, don’t fret. The provided script is simple and easy to use. Plus, you can always tweak it to fit your specific needs. Whether you’re managing event dates, project timelines, or any other date-specific information, this method has you covered.

Curious to learn more about automating tasks in Google Sheets? Check out other handy tips and tricks to make your spreadsheets work harder for you. Happy sorting!