# Data > Sort

The sort utility sorts a number of data columns by data up to four columns. You can store the sorted data in its original columns or in a specific set of columns.

If a column contains only numbers, the data will be sorted by their numerical values. Otherwise, the data will be sorted as text in alphabetically order.

- To open the sort utility, select Data > Sort.
- In the Input Columns: text box, enter the names of the columns. Separate column names by spaces (e.g. c2 c4), and use a dash to indicate a range of columns (e.g. c10-c15).
- To store the sorted data in the original columns, select Store in original columns.
- To store the sorted data in a specific set of columns, enter the column names in the Store in these columns: text box. The number of input columns must be the same as the number of columns for storing results. The results of sorting the input column(s) will be stored in the store columns in order.
- To sort the input columns by data in another column, select the appropriate column label in the Sort By Column: drop-down menu. Choose Ascending to sort in ascending order, or Descending to sort in descending order. To sort by more columns, use the Then By Column: drop-down menus. You may sort by at most four columns.
- Click OK to sort.

### Example

C1 | C2 | C3
a | 2 | 5
b | 2 | 7
c | 2 | 3
d | 2 | 2
e | 1 | 9
f | 1 | 8
g | 1 | 7
h | 1 | 6

The result of sorting C1 by C2 and C3 is

h
g
f
e
d
c
a
b