[Solved] Sort a column based on list order

[ssar17]

I have a column that I want to sort in this order depending on the items in that column:

DEP, TRN, DEB, ATM, BP, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 6, 7, 8, 9

I did create a list and added this to the sort optons: Custom sort (see attached file).

I am trying to leave Microsoft Excel and need this function before I make the switch.

[RusselB]

From the Help file: Custom sort order
To define a custom sort order, choose Tools - Options - OpenOffice Calc - Sort Lists .

[ssar17]

That is what I did to define this list but when I try to use this it does not seem to work.

[MrProgrammer]

I have a column that I want to sort in this order depending on the items in that column:
   DEP, TRN, DEB, ATM, BP, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
I did create a list and added this to the sort optons: Custom sort (see attached file). I am trying to leave Microsoft Excel and need this function before I make the switch.

Sort.PNG (63.39 KiB) Viewed 1173 times

I am able to create this in the Calc → Sort lists option. Options are set with OpenOffice → Preferences on a Mac, Tools → Options on other platforms. Data then sorts as specified, with DEP though BP ahead of 0 through 9.

You do need to understand that a custom sort list only applies to text values. Numbers are always sorted numerically, and ahead of all text. Read section 1. Types of data in Ten concepts that every Calc user should know if you don't know the difference between the numeric value 25 and the text value 25. Use [Tutorial] Text to Columns to convert values between numbers and text.

That is what I did to define this list but when I try to use this it does not seem to work.

"does not work" is not helpful in a forum; it only says what didn't happen. If you need any additional assistance attach a document demonstrating the difficulty (remove confidential information then use Post Reply, not Quick Reply, and don't attach a picture instead of the document itself). Explain what you have done, what result you see, and what result you expect. Indicate which sheet and which cells are not as you want/expect. Sometimes results are correct while expectations are incorrect.

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[Tutorial] Ten concepts that every Calc user should know