How do I sort end portion of value numberically

**lkevinc42036** · 06-25-2012, 10:39 AM

Hi, I have a list of data from C1 to C552 that contains the same initial text 'FSAR_SOF-' which is then followed by some values in the format similar to '2.3-018'. How do I sort numerically in regards to the first number, then second and so on. For example, I if I have a list of the numbers

FSAR_SOF-2.3-018
FSAR_SOF-2.1-013
FSAR_SOF-2.3-019
FSAR_SOF-3.5-214

I would want it to sort into

FSAR_SOF-2.1-013
FSAR_SOF-2.3-018
FSAR_SOF-2.3-019
FSAR_SOF-3.5-214

Also, if possible, the back portion of the data can extend to values such as '3.5.1-231' and may have multiple parts such as '3.5-222 (a)' and '3.5-222 (b)'. Is it possible to sort by first criteria and then alphabetically by the values that follow on certain entries?

**dminkov** · 06-25-2012, 10:59 AM

Extracting certain symbols from cell in column D could be a solution. For example, =MID(C1;10;3) will return 2.3. Then, you can sort D column.

**lkevinc42036** · 06-25-2012, 11:17 AM

Hi Dminkov, how do I apply the =MID formula to all of the values in column C? is there a way to automatically match the cells of C1 to D1 and C2 to D2 and so on?

**Ace_XL** · 06-25-2012, 11:28 AM

Slightly amending Dminkov's formula ..

So in Cell D1 =MID(C1,10,7)
In Cell D2 =MID(C2,10,7)
and so on..
copy this and drag down (paste) till cell D552

then sort on Column D

**lkevinc42036** · 06-25-2012, 11:38 AM

Hi, so I have gotten the =MID formula applied to Column D and it does show the correct values that I need, however, how am I supposed to sort it numberically after instead of alphabetically? I want it to sort by smaller to greater values. Thanks.