Sorting Google Sheets by due date is an essential task for individuals and businesses alike who rely on the platform for task management, project planning, and organization. With the ability to sort and filter data, users can quickly identify and prioritize tasks based on their deadlines, ensuring timely completion and minimizing last-minute rushes. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various methods for sorting Google Sheets by due date, including using the built-in sorting feature, creating custom formulas, and utilizing add-ons.
Understanding Google Sheets and Sorting
Google Sheets is a free online spreadsheet application that allows users to create, edit, and share spreadsheets. It offers a range of features, including sorting, filtering, and data analysis tools. To sort Google Sheets by due date, users need to understand the basics of the platform and its sorting functionality.
Sorting Basics in Google Sheets
Sorting in Google Sheets allows users to arrange data in a specific order based on one or more criteria. The platform offers several sorting options, including:
- Ascending order (A-Z or 0-9)
- Descending order (Z-A or 9-0)
- Custom sorting (based on multiple criteria)
To sort Google Sheets by due date, users need to select the column containing the due date data and choose the desired sorting order.
Sorting by Due Date in Google Sheets
To sort Google Sheets by due date, follow these steps:
- Open your Google Sheet and select the column containing the due date data.
- Click on the “Data” menu and select “Sort sheet by date.”
- Choose the desired sorting order (ascending or descending) and click “OK.”
Alternatively, users can use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + Shift + S” (Windows) or “Cmd + Shift + S” (Mac) to sort the sheet by due date.
Creating Custom Formulas for Sorting
While the built-in sorting feature in Google Sheets is convenient, users may need to create custom formulas to sort data based on specific criteria. In this section, we will explore how to create custom formulas for sorting by due date.
Using the DATE Function
The DATE function in Google Sheets allows users to extract the date from a date/time value. To sort by due date using the DATE function, follow these steps: (See Also: Google Sheets How to Edit Pivot Table? Master Your Data)
- Enter the following formula in a new column: `=DATE(YEAR(A2), MONTH(A2), DAY(A2))`
- Replace A2 with the cell containing the due date data.
- Drag the formula down to apply it to the entire column.
The formula will extract the date from the due date data and allow users to sort by date.
Using the DATEVALUE Function
The DATEVALUE function in Google Sheets converts a date string to a serial number that can be used for sorting. To sort by due date using the DATEVALUE function, follow these steps:
- Enter the following formula in a new column: `=DATEVALUE(A2)`
- Replace A2 with the cell containing the due date data.
- Drag the formula down to apply it to the entire column.
The formula will convert the due date data to a serial number that can be used for sorting.
Utilizing Add-ons for Sorting
Google Sheets offers a range of add-ons that can enhance the sorting functionality. In this section, we will explore some popular add-ons for sorting by due date.
Using the Sort & Filter Add-on
The Sort & Filter add-on allows users to sort and filter data based on multiple criteria. To install the add-on, follow these steps:
- Open your Google Sheet and click on the “Add-ons” menu.
- Search for “Sort & Filter” and click on the result.
- Click on the “Install” button to install the add-on.
Once installed, users can access the add-on by clicking on the “Sort & Filter” menu and selecting the desired sorting criteria.
Using the Date Filter Add-on
The Date Filter add-on allows users to filter data based on specific date ranges. To install the add-on, follow these steps: (See Also: How to Do Progress Bar in Google Sheets? Track Your Progress Easily)
- Open your Google Sheet and click on the “Add-ons” menu.
- Search for “Date Filter” and click on the result.
- Click on the “Install” button to install the add-on.
Once installed, users can access the add-on by clicking on the “Date Filter” menu and selecting the desired date range.
Best Practices for Sorting Google Sheets by Due Date
Sorting Google Sheets by due date can be a complex task, especially when dealing with large datasets. In this section, we will explore some best practices for sorting Google Sheets by due date.
Using the Correct Data Format
When sorting Google Sheets by due date, it’s essential to use the correct data format. The most common data format for due dates is the MM/DD/YYYY format. However, users can also use the YYYY-MM-DD format or other custom formats.
Using the Correct Sorting Order
When sorting Google Sheets by due date, users need to choose the correct sorting order. The most common sorting order is ascending (earliest due date first). However, users can also choose descending (latest due date first) or custom sorting orders.
Using the Correct Criteria
When sorting Google Sheets by due date, users need to choose the correct criteria. The most common criteria are the due date itself or the date range. However, users can also choose other criteria, such as the task name or the assignee.
Recap and Key Takeaways
In this comprehensive guide, we explored the various methods for sorting Google Sheets by due date, including using the built-in sorting feature, creating custom formulas, and utilizing add-ons. We also discussed some best practices for sorting Google Sheets by due date, including using the correct data format, sorting order, and criteria.
Key Takeaways:
- Sorting Google Sheets by due date is an essential task for individuals and businesses alike.
- The built-in sorting feature in Google Sheets is convenient, but users may need to create custom formulas for sorting data based on specific criteria.
- Utilizing add-ons can enhance the sorting functionality and provide additional features.
- Best practices for sorting Google Sheets by due date include using the correct data format, sorting order, and criteria.
FAQs
How to Sort Google Sheets by Due Date?
Q: Can I sort Google Sheets by due date using the built-in sorting feature?
A: Yes, you can sort Google Sheets by due date using the built-in sorting feature. To do so, select the column containing the due date data and choose the desired sorting order.
Q: How do I create a custom formula for sorting by due date?
A: To create a custom formula for sorting by due date, use the DATE or DATEVALUE function to extract the date from the due date data and then sort the data based on the extracted date.
Q: Can I use add-ons to sort Google Sheets by due date?
A: Yes, you can use add-ons to sort Google Sheets by due date. Some popular add-ons include the Sort & Filter add-on and the Date Filter add-on.
Q: How do I choose the correct sorting order for my due dates?
A: To choose the correct sorting order for your due dates, consider the context of your data and the desired outcome. The most common sorting order is ascending (earliest due date first), but you can also choose descending (latest due date first) or custom sorting orders.
Q: Can I sort Google Sheets by due date and other criteria simultaneously?
A: Yes, you can sort Google Sheets by due date and other criteria simultaneously. To do so, use the custom sorting feature or create a custom formula that takes into account multiple criteria.