How to sort by date in Google Sheets

Click a cell in your date column, then Data → Sort sheet → Sort by that column A to Z for oldest to newest (Z to A for newest first). Dates must be real date values, not text that only looks like dates. Format the column as Format → Number → Date first if sorts look wrong. For a list that stays sorted automatically, use =SORT(A2:C, 1, true) pointing at the date column.

Steps

  1. 1

    Format the column as Date (Format → Number → Date).

  2. 2

    Click inside the date column.

  3. 3

    Data → Sort sheet (or Sort range) by that column.

  4. 4

    A to Z = oldest first; Z to A = newest first.

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Select your data, then use Data → Sort sheet or Data → Sort range. Pick the column and direction. Advanced range sorting options let you add secondary keys. Sorting changes the sheet in place; =SORT(...) builds a sorted spill range elsewhere.

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