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How to alphabetize a list or table in Microsoft Word

Get your selections sorted in alphabetical order.
By
February 7, 2023

Microsoft Word allows you to quickly sort material selected alphabetically, by number, or by date. A dedicated sort function is built into the Home tab options. Let’s talk about that as we review how to alphabetize in Word and more.

Read more: How to check the word count in Microsoft Word

QUICK ANSWER

To alphabetize in Word, select the material you wish to sort. Click Sort > Paragraphs > Text > Ascending / Descending > OK.


JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS

How to alphabetize in Word

When you want to alphabetize something in Word, you typically want to alphabetize a list or series of individually exclusive words. In essence, this function allows you to sort things in a list alphabetically.

Open your Word document and highlight the content you wish to sort alphabetically.

word choose what you want to alphabetize
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After selecting what you wish to alphabetize, click the Sort button in the Paragraph section. This looks like an A-to-Z symbol.

word a to z button
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In the Sort by section, choose Paragraphs and Text in the dropdowns. Select Ascending to sort from A to Z or Descending to sort from Z to A.

Click OK when ready.

customize alphabetical order word revised
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Everything you highlighted will be alphabetized based on the first letter in each word.

word selection alphabetized revised
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How to sort numbers or dates in Word

Sorting lists with numbers at the front or dates is also quite simple. Word will analyze your selection and make those options available from within Sort. Let’s talk about each — and in the dates section, we’ll provide an example of how sorting works with tables.

How to sort numbers in Word

In Word, select the numbered list (or numbers in general) that you wish to sort. Click the Sort button in the Paragraph section.

a to z button after selecting numbers word
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Click the Text dropdown for type.

click text word
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Select Number. Choose whether you would like to sort your selection Ascending (from the lowest to highest number) or Descending (from the highest to lowest number).

When ready, click OK.

customize numbers word
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Your selection will be sorted by number.

numbers sorted word
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How to sort dates in Word

In this example, we’re sorting dates in a table. This procedure also works if you want to sort dates in a list.

Select the dates you wish to sort, then click the Sort button in the Paragraph section.

select the dates you want to order then click a to z word
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After this:

  • If you’re sorting a table, in the Sort by section, choose the column you wish to sort.
  • In the Type section, choose Date.
  • Choose whether you would like to sort your selection Ascending (from the oldest to latest date) or Descending (from the latest to oldest date).
  • Click OK when ready.

The dates in your selection will appear sorted.

dates sorted word
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