ExamplesFor You
Home / Excel / SORT and SORTBY
✍️ Excel dynamic arrays examples

SORT and SORTBY Examples in Excel

Learn practical sort and sortby examples in excel for modern dynamic Excel reports and spill formulas.

Updated 2026-06-125 practical examplesCopy-ready

What it does

SORT and SORTBY return sorted dynamic arrays.

Syntax or pattern

=SORT(array, [sort_index], [sort_order]) / =SORTBY(array, by_array, [sort_order])
✅

5 practical examples

1

Sort names alphabetically

Sort a list from A to Z.

=SORT(A2:A100)

Simple dynamic sorting.

2

Sort table by sales

Sort a table by the third column descending.

=SORT(Sales,3,-1)

-1 sorts descending.

3

Sort by another column

Sort products by sales amount.

=SORTBY(Products,Products[Sales],-1)

SORTBY can sort by a separate array.

4

Sort filtered rows

Filter and sort East sales.

=SORT(FILTER(Sales,Sales[Region]="East"),3,-1)

Dynamic array functions combine well.

5

Sort by two columns

Sort by region then sales.

=SORTBY(Sales,Sales[Region],1,Sales[Amount],-1)

Use multiple sort arrays.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Make sure spill ranges have empty space below or beside them.
  • Use Excel Tables where possible for expanding source data.
  • Older Excel versions may not support all dynamic array functions.

Related Excel examples

FILTER Function Examples in ExcelUNIQUE Examples in ExcelSEQUENCE Examples in Excel📊 All Excel examples

FAQ

What is a spill formula?

A spill formula returns multiple cells from one formula entered in a single cell.

💡 Useful resources

Here are some ideas for you

Optional resources that may help if you are learning formulas, building reports, or working in spreadsheets often.

  • 📘
    Excel formula books

    Practice formulas with structured examples you can keep beside your desk.

    See ideas
  • ⌨️
    Excel shortcut guides

    Build speed with keyboard shortcuts for selection, formatting and navigation.

    See ideas
  • 🔢
    Numeric keypads

    Helpful if you enter many numbers on a laptop or compact keyboard.

    See ideas
  • 🖥️
    External monitors

    Useful for viewing large worksheets, formulas and reference tables side by side.

    See ideas
  • 📒
    Desk notebooks

    Sketch formula logic, report ideas and table structures before building.

    See ideas
  • 💻
    Laptop stands

    Make long spreadsheet sessions more comfortable and ergonomic.

    See ideas

Some links in this section may be affiliate links. Choose only what is useful for your own work.