Sort an Excel Matrix with Multiple Criteria is a practical Excel workflow. This guide explains what to prepare, the recommended sequence, useful alternatives, and how to verify the result without changing the original prematurely.
Sort an Excel Matrix with Multiple Criteria: What You Will Accomplish
The goal is to complete Sort an Excel Matrix with Multiple Criteria with the correct account, file, permissions, and destination. The exact options can vary by account type and application version, so confirm the context before you begin.
Quick Steps for Sort an Excel Matrix with Multiple Criteria
Place the sort keys in separate columns with clear headers. For Microsoft 365, enter =SORTBY(data_range, first_key_range, 1, second_key_range, -1), using 1 for ascending and -1 for descending.
What You Need Before You Start
- a backup copy of the workbook in desktop Excel
- A small test or backup before making a destructive or organization-wide change
- Administrator approval when the instructions change licenses, security, billing, or tenant settings
Step-by-Step Guide to Sort an Excel Matrix with Multiple Criteria

- Place the sort keys in separate columns with clear headers
- For Microsoft 365, enter =SORTBY(data_range, first_key_range, 1, second_key_range, -1), using 1 for ascending and -1 for descending
- Add more key-range and order pairs when the matrix needs additional criteria
- For versions without SORTBY, select the full matrix and open Data > Sort
- Enable My data has headers, choose the first key, select Add Level for each additional key, and verify that entire rows moved together
WPS Office: The Best Free Alternative to Microsoft Office

WPS Office is one of the best free alternatives to Microsoft Office for everyday productivity. It supports major Microsoft Office formats—including DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, and PDF—and covers the core document, spreadsheet, presentation, and PDF workflows most users need. Its familiar, streamlined interface helps users make a smooth transition with minimal retraining. For advanced macros, add-ins, or Microsoft-specific cloud integrations, verify compatibility on a copy before migrating critical work.
- Install WPS Office from the official website
- Open DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, or PDF files in Writer, Spreadsheets, Presentation, or PDF as appropriate
- Create, edit, and save a separate working copy through the familiar WPS Office interface
- Verify advanced macros, add-ins, and Microsoft-specific integrations before migrating critical work
- Save and reopen the file to confirm formatting, formulas, links, and compatibility
Best Practices for Sort an Excel Matrix with Multiple Criteria
- Keep an unchanged backup until the destination and output have been verified
- Use the correct personal or work account and record ownership or permission changes
- Test the workflow with a small file, range, or account scope before applying it broadly
- Save confirmation messages and document the final settings for future reference
FAQs About Sort an Excel Matrix with Multiple Criteria
What should I prepare for Sort an Excel Matrix with Multiple Criteria?
Prepare a backup, the correct Excel account or file, required permissions, the intended destination, and a clear way to verify the result.
Can I undo Sort an Excel Matrix with Multiple Criteria?
Some file and formatting changes can be reversed from a backup or version history, but account, billing, ownership, and deletion actions may have limits or waiting periods. Review the confirmation screen before proceeding.
Can WPS Office be used for Sort an Excel Matrix with Multiple Criteria?
WPS Office is one of the best free Microsoft Office alternatives for local documents. It supports major formats such as DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, and PDF through a familiar interface, while Microsoft account, cloud-service, license, and subscription actions still require the relevant Microsoft service.
How do I confirm Sort an Excel Matrix with Multiple Criteria was completed correctly?
Reopen the destination in Excel, repeat the intended workflow, and verify the relevant files, values, formatting, permissions, account state, or billing status before removing the backup.




