5 Ways to Unsort Data in Excel Quickly

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you've sorted data in Microsoft Excel but later realized that you needed the original unsorted order? Fortunately, Microsoft Excel offers several methods to quickly unsort data and revert to your original dataset. Whether you are correcting an accidental sort or you need to compare the sorted data with the original, here are five effective ways to unsort data in Excel quickly:

Method 1: Undo the Sort Action

If you just sorted your data and immediately realize it was a mistake, the simplest way to unsort your data is by using the Undo feature:

• Go to the Quick Access Toolbar and click on the Undo button (the one with the arrow pointing left).
• Alternatively, use the shortcut keys Ctrl + Z.

💡 Note: This method works only if you haven’t performed any other action after sorting, as Excel has a limit on how many undo steps it can remember.

Method 2: Sort Again with Original Criteria

If Undo isn't an option, you can sort your data back to its original state:

• Highlight the sorted range or column.
• Go to the Data tab and click on Sort & Filter.
• Choose the same column you sorted by initially and set it back to the original order, which is usually A to Z for alphanumeric data or Smallest to Largest for numbers.

This method requires you to remember how the data was originally sorted or have some indication of the order from the data itself.

Method 3: Use the Filter Option

Another way to unsort data is to filter out the original order:

• Select your data range.
• Go to the Data tab, click Filter. This will apply a filter to each header.
• Sort the data within each column to revert it back to its original state if possible.

📌 Note: Filters can significantly slow down your Excel workbook with large datasets, so use this method judiciously.

Method 4: Use VBA for More Complex Reversions

For more control or when dealing with complicated sorting, you might want to use VBA (Visual Basic for Applications):

• Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA editor.
• Click Insert > Module, and paste the following code:

  
  Sub UnsortData()
      With ActiveSheet.Sort
          .SortFields.Clear
          .SetRange Range("A1:Z100") ' Adjust range as needed
          .Header = xlYes
          .MatchCase = False
          .Orientation = xlTopToBottom
          .SortMethod = xlPinYin
          .Apply
      End With
  End Sub
  
  

Executing this code will reset the sort settings on the specified range to their default, which effectively unsorts the data.

Method 5: Create a Backup Before Sorting

The most foolproof method to unsort data is to keep a backup of your original dataset:

• Before sorting, copy your data to another sheet or save a version of your workbook.
• If you need to unsort, simply copy back from the backup.

Here’s how you can do it: ```html

By following these five methods, you can quickly restore the unsorted state of your data in Excel, ensuring your data integrity remains intact, especially when dealing with critical datasets.

In wrapping up, while Excel provides us with powerful tools to manipulate data, the ability to unsort that data efficiently is just as crucial. Each method offers a different approach to meet various needs, from quick undo actions to more sophisticated VBA solutions. Keeping a backup of your data before sorting is always the safest bet, allowing for an effortless restoration process. Understanding these techniques not only saves time but also enhances your data management skills in Excel.

Related Terms:

• Sort largest to smallest Excel
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