I have a long data consisting of hundreds of columns containing numbers and I want to sort each column so that I can see what is the peak value in each and compare them. If I select the whole range, I can only sort the rows based on the reference column I select in the sort function. It is possible to select each column individually and sort it (after the annoying popup box that tells you that there are adjacent cells you did not select) but this is a too tedious process. Is there any way to do it in a couple of clicks?
If all you want is the maximum value in each column, why not just use the formula
=MAX(array:range) for each column?
If all you want is the maximum value in each column, why not just use the formula
=MAX(array:range) for each column?
Not clear that the sorting is necessary if all you need is the maximum, as Michael points out. There is, however, a nice solution for the sorting problem using the SMALL function posted at the following link:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1215343,00.asp
In the case where the MAX function does not answer exactly your need, you can also use the automatic filter. You select the complete line with your column titles, then you choose Data > Filter > Automatic filter. It will add a small double arrow on the right hand side of each title, enabling you to sort any column or even select certain values in it in one click only (without opening the "sort" popup window).
Hope this helps a little, and good luck with your data.
Could you share your spredsheet so I could sort it out directly on it?
Thanks for all your helpful answers everyone. I was actually trying to solve the problem in a more complicated way than necessary. The MAX function was enough for me to get what I wanted out of my data.
https://www.extendoffice.com/documents/excel/4265-excel-sort-multiple-columns-independently.html
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