How to Undo Sort in Excel: A Comprehensive Guide

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Sorting data in Microsoft Excel helps in organizing information efficiently, but sometimes you may need to revert to the original order. Whether you sorted data by mistake or need to analyze it differently, undoing a sort can be crucial.

In this guide, we will explain multiple ways to undo sorting in Excel with step-by-step instructions and additional tips to ensure you never lose your data’s original structure.

Methods to Undo Sort in Excel

1. Undo Sort Immediately Using Keyboard Shortcut

The quickest way to undo sorting is by using the Undo feature. If sorting was your last action, you can revert it instantly.

Steps:

• Press Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Command + Z (Mac).
• Alternatively, click the Undo button in the Quick Access Toolbar.

Important Notes:

• This method works only if sorting was the last action performed.
• If you have made additional changes after sorting, this option will not be available.
• Works best for quick accidental sorts but is not reliable for long-term data recovery.

2. Restore Original Order Using a Helper Column

If you anticipate needing to revert sorting later, using a helper column is the most reliable method.

Steps:

1. Insert a new column next to your data.
2. Fill it with sequential numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4...).
3. Sort the data based on your required column.
4. To restore the original order, sort the data by the helper column in ascending order.

Example Table:

If you sort by Age and later need to revert, simply sort the data by the Helper Column.

Benefits:

• Works even after multiple edits or saving the file.
• Ensures you always have a way to restore the original order.
• Ideal for large datasets where sorting mistakes can be difficult to undo manually.

3. Restore Data from a Backup

If you saved the file after sorting and didn’t use a helper column, you can restore data from a backup.

Options:

• Check for an older version if you are using OneDrive, SharePoint, or AutoSave-enabled files.
• Retrieve the original file from manual backups.
• Consider using cloud backup services that offer file versioning.

Steps to Restore from a Backup:

1. Open File > Info.
2. Click Version History (available in OneDrive/SharePoint files).
3. Select a version before sorting and restore it.
4. If using a manual backup, open the previous version of the file and copy the original data back into the current version.

4. Clear Sorting and Filters

If sorting was applied using Filters, clearing them might help restore the original display order.

Steps:

1. Go to Home tab > Click Sort & Filter.
2. Select Clear.
3. If filtering was applied, remove it by clicking Filter again.

Important Notes:

• This method removes sorting but does not restore the original order unless a helper column was used.
• Useful when dealing with temporary filter-based sorting.
• Works best for removing unwanted filters rather than undoing structured sorts.

Additional Tips to Prevent Losing Data Order

1. Save a Copy Before Sorting

Before making changes, save a duplicate of your file to ensure you can revert if needed.

Steps:

1. Open the file.
2. Click File > Save As.
3. Save a copy under a different name.

2. Use Excel Tables with an Index Column

If working with structured data, consider using Excel Tables with an additional Index Column to preserve the order.

Steps:

1. Convert the dataset into a Table by selecting the data and pressing Ctrl + T.
2. Add an Index Column with sequential numbers.
3. Sort the table as needed.
4. Restore the original order by sorting using the Index Column.

3. Use Power Query for Data Management

If you frequently modify large datasets, using Power Query allows for flexible data handling without permanently altering the source order.

Steps:

1. Go to Data > Get & Transform > Get Data.
2. Load your dataset into Power Query Editor.
3. Apply transformations and sorting as needed.
4. Restore original data order using a stored query state.

4. Enable AutoSave and Version History

For cloud-stored files, enabling AutoSave ensures changes can be reversed through version history.

Steps:

1. If using OneDrive or SharePoint, ensure AutoSave is enabled.
2. Open File > Info > Version History.
3. Select an older version and restore if necessary.

5. Keep a Manual Record of Sorting Changes

If sorting frequently, consider maintaining a log of the original sorting order and applied changes.

How to Keep Track:

• Maintain a separate sheet with the original data order.
• Use Excel’s Track Changes feature to log modifications.
• Add date and time stamps to track changes in sorting.

Final Thoughts

Undoing a sort in Excel depends on whether you’ve taken preventive steps. The Undo shortcut (Ctrl + Z) is the easiest way, but it only works if no other changes have been made. Using a helper column before sorting ensures you can always revert to the original order.

If changes have been saved, restoring from a backup is the only solution. Other advanced techniques like Power Query and version history can offer additional safety nets. By following these methods, you can effectively manage sorted data in Excel and avoid accidental data loss.

Vaishvi Desai

Vaishvi Desai is the founder of Excelsamurai and a passionate Excel enthusiast with years of experience in data analysis and spreadsheet management. With a mission to help others harness the power of Excel, Vaishvi shares her expertise through concise, easy-to-follow tutorials on shortcuts, formulas, Pivot Tables, and VBA.