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Excel is one of the most widely used data organization software tools in the world. It offers many features to help businesses and individuals create accurate and professional-looking spreadsheets. One of the most important features of Excel is its ability to sort data. Sorting data can be very helpful in organizing your data and making it easier to read and analyze. In this post, we will explore the top 7 Excel table sorters to help you organize your data with ease.
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What is an Excel Table Sorter?
An Excel table sorter is a software tool that helps you sort and organize data in an Excel spreadsheet. These tools offer various options for sorting data by columns, rows, or a combination of both. They can also help organize and filter data based on specific criteria, such as alphabetical order, numerical order, or custom sorting.
Top 7 Excel Table Sorters
1. Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel is the most widely used spreadsheet software in the world. It offers many features to help you sort and organize your data quickly and efficiently. With its built-in sorting function, you can easily sort data by one or more columns, filter data based on specific criteria, and create custom sorting options. In addition, Microsoft Excel allows you to create and save custom sorting templates for future use.
Pros:
– High-quality sorting performance.
– Widely used and well-known software.
– Built-in with various functions and features.
Cons:
– Not budget-friendly, it comes with a steep price.
– Requires some previous knowledge to use properly
– Limited to desktop access only.
2. Google Sheets
Google Sheets is a free online spreadsheet software that comes with many features similar to Excel. It is easy to use and offers built-in sorting capabilities. Its sorting function can handle multiple columns and can sort in ascending or descending order. Moreover, Google Sheets also allows users to undo and redo actions.
Pros:
– Free to use.
– Accessible by multiple users on different devices.
– Easy to use and has a user-friendly interface.
Cons:
– May have limited functionality compared to Microsoft Excel.
– Requires internet connection to use properly
– Has less formatting options
3. Zoho Sheet
Zoho Sheet is another free online spreadsheet software that offers many features similar to Excel and Google Sheets. It comes with a built-in sorting function that allows you to sort data by one or more columns. Moreover, it offers custom sorting options that allow you to sort data based on your specific needs.
Pros:
– Free to use.
– Accessible by multiple users on different devices.
– User-friendly interface.
Cons:
– May have limited functionality compared to Microsoft Excel.
– Requires internet connection to use properly
– May have compatibility issues with other software tools.
4. LibreOffice Calc
LibreOffice Calc is a free and open-source alternative to Microsoft Excel. It offers many features and functions similar to Excel, including a built-in sorting and filtering function. Its sorting and filtering function can handle multiple columns and can sort in ascending or descending order.
Pros:
– Free to use.
– Accessible by multiple users on different devices.
– Open source and community-driven.
Cons:
– May have limited functionality compared to Microsoft Excel.
– May not be compatible with some Excel functions and features.
– Requires internet connection to use properly
5. WPS Office Spreadsheets
WPS Office is another alternative to Microsoft Excel that offers many similar features and functions. Its sorting and filtering function can handle multiple columns and can sort in ascending or descending order. It also offers custom sorting options that allow you to sort data based on specific criteria.
Pros:
– Offers a free version that includes many features.
– User-friendly interface and easy to use.
– compatible with Microsoft Excel.
Cons:
– The free version has limited functionalities.
– May have compatibility issues with other software tools.
– Requires internet connection to use properly.
6. Airtable
Airtable is a cloud-based collaboration platform that offers a variety of features, including a powerful sorting and filtering function. Its sorting and filtering functions can handle multiple columns and can sort in ascending or descending order. It also offers custom sorting options and allows you to save different views based on specific sorting criteria.
Pros:
– User-friendly interface and easy to use.
– You can collaborate in real-time with Airtable
– Compatible with third-party tools such as Slack, Dropbox.
Cons:
– May not have all the features you need for complex data analysis.
– Some features may require a paid subscription.
– Requires internet connection to use properly.
7. Smartsheet
Smartsheet is another cloud-based collaboration platform that offers a variety of features, including a powerful sorting and filtering function. Its sorting and filtering function can handle multiple columns and can sort in ascending or descending order. It also offers custom sorting options and allows you to save different views based on specific sorting criteria.
Pros:
– User-friendly interface and easy to use.
– You can collaborate in real-time with Smartsheet.
– Compatible with third-party tools like Google Drive, Box, and more
Cons:
– May not have all the features you need for complex data analysis.
– The price is high compared to other alternatives.
– Requires internet connection to use properly.
Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software
| Software | Free Trial | Price | Ease-of-Use | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Excel | No | $149.99 per year | Intermediate | Good |
| Google Sheets | Yes | Free | Beginner | Excellent |
| Zoho Sheet | Yes | Free | Beginner | Excellent |
| LibreOffice Calc | No | Free | Intermediate | Excellent |
| WPS Office Spreadsheets | No | Free | Beginner | Good |
| Airtable | Yes | $12 per user per month | Beginner | Poor |
| Smartsheet | Yes | $14 per user per month | Intermediate | Poor |
Our Thoughts on Excel Table Sorters
Choosing the right Excel table sorter really depends on your specific needs and your budget. If you are a beginner with limited funds, Google Sheets or Zoho Sheet could be the best choice for you since they are both free and easy to use. If you need more advanced sorting and filtering features, Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice, or WPS Office Spreadsheets could be the best option for you. However, if you need a powerful cloud-based collaboration tool, Airtable or Smartsheet could be your best choice.
FAQs About Excel Table Sorters
Q1: Is Microsoft Excel the best option for sorting and filtering data in Excel spreadsheets?
A: It depends on your specific needs. Microsoft Excel offers powerful sorting and filtering functions, but it is relatively expensive compared to other alternatives. Other tools like Google Sheets or Zoho Sheet could be the best choice for beginners or those on a tight budget.
Q2: Can I sort data based on specific criteria, such as alphabetical order or numerical order, using Excel table sorters?
A: Yes, most Excel table sorters offer sorting functions based on specific criteria like alphabetical or numerical order.
Q3: Can I use Excel table sorters offline?
A: It depends on the software you choose. Desktop-based software like Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice Calc, or WPS Office Spreadsheets require installation and do not require an internet connection to use.
Q4: Do free Excel table sorters offer advanced sorting and filtering features?
A: It depends on the specific software. Some free software like Google Sheets or Zoho Sheet offer advanced sorting and filtering features, while others may have limited functionality.
Q5: Can I use Excel table sorters on my mobile device?
A: It depends on the software you choose. Some Excel table sorters like Google Sheets offer mobile versions for iOS and Android, while others are desktop-based software and require a computer to use.
In Conclusion
Sorting and filtering data is essential to organizing data in an Excel spreadsheet. Each Excel table sorter we have discussed in this article offers different features and functionalities. We hope this article has provided some insight to help you select the best Excel table sorter based on your specific needs and budget.