Format your header row differently. For example, bold the text or make it a different color. [1] X Research source Make sure there are no blank cells in your header row. [2] X Research source If Excel still sorts the headers, select the header row and use the top ribbon menu to click Home > Editing > Sort & Filter > Custom Sort > My data has headers. [3] X Research source

Press and hold Ctrl/Opt to select more than one column.

If you don’t see it on the Data menu, try returning to the Home tab and looking for a Sort & Filter button in the Editing section.

To sort it in reverse alphabetical order instead, click the Z → A symbol instead.

Use this when your spreadsheet uses full names in a single cell. If you have full names listed in a single column, alphabetizing will only sort by the first name. With these instructions, you can divide the names into two columns first so you can sort by the last name column instead. [4] X Research source To insert a blank column, select the letter row to the left of where you want the blank row to go (so if you want a new blank column to the right of A), select the first cell, then right-click it, and click Add Column to Right.

If necessary, replace both instances of A with the letter of the column that has the full names listed. Replace both instances of 1 with the number of the row you are typing in.

If necessary, replace both instances of A with the letter of the column that has the full names listed. Replace both instances of 1 with the number of the row you are typing in.