Keith’s Training Hub

LESSON 5 OF 16 · ABOUT 15 MINUTES

Sort whole records safely

Show the largest amount first without separating an order from its details.

Need the practice files?

Keep using your working copy if you have started the programme.

Practice workbook (.xlsx)

Learn the skill

A single-column sort can attach the wrong amount to a person or order. Always move the complete record.

Worked example

The full record range is Orders!A1:I9, including headings and your new formulas.

Largest amount first starts TR-101 £120, then TR-102 £90, then TR-103 £80.

Eight records and the £540 total must remain unchanged.

Follow these steps

  1. Save a new practice copy before sorting. Clear any filters.
  2. Select A1:I9. Choose Data > Sort and confirm My data has headers.
  3. Sort Amount (£), Cell Values, Largest to Smallest.
  4. If Excel warns about a partial selection, expand it and check all nine columns.
  5. Inspect the first and last records and recheck the count and total.

Try it yourself

Record the full amount-descending order of IDs. Then restore Order ID A to Z before the next formula exercise.

Check your practical result
  • Order: TR-101, 102, 103, 108, 104, 106, 105, 107.
  • TR-107 remains West, Cables, £30, Open.
  • All eight records and £540 remain.

This is your own review, not an automatic inspection of Excel.

If it does not work

If IDs and amounts no longer match, undo immediately or reopen your saved practice copy. Do not repair mixed records by guessing.

Optional knowledge check

This check is for practice. It is not saved or required to continue.

Which selection is safest?

Continue whenever you are ready. No test or recorded score is required.

Course guide and Microsoft helpDownload the whole course guide (.txt)

Steps primarily use Microsoft 365 desktop Excel for Windows. Other versions can differ. Formulas use English names and commas; your region may use semicolons. Work only on the fictional practice copies.

Microsoft: Sort a range or table (opens in a new tab). Guidance checked 3 November 2026.

Browser knowledge checks do not execute Excel. This programme does not change your saved progress in other courses.

All 16 lessons and the day programme

Welcome and setup: 09:30–09:40. Evaluation and close: 16:15–16:30.

The four session windows match the supplied programme. Lesson times below are approximate independent practice times. Facilitators can use the remaining time for demonstrations, questions and breaks, including lunch within Session 2.

SESSION 1 · 09:40–11:40

More functions

Count, total, classify and work with dates.

  1. Count matching orders with COUNTIF · 15 min
  2. Add matching costs with SUMIF · 15 min
  3. Use IF to label a result · 15 min
  4. Use TODAY without losing a reporting date · 15 min

SESSION 2 · 11:40–14:30

Managing datasets

Keep records together, find what matters and control new entries.

  1. Sort whole records safely · 15 min
  2. Sort by team, then amount · 15 min
  3. Put priorities in a custom order · 15 min
  4. Filter a list and restore every row · 15 min
  5. Make a safe dropdown with data validation · 20 min

SESSION 3 · 14:30–15:30

Linking

Reuse values across cells, sheets and files with clear checks.

  1. Link cells instead of retyping · 10 min
  2. Link sheets inside one workbook · 10 min
  3. Link a value from another file · 15 min
  4. Inspect, repair and safely remove a link · 15 min

SESSION 4 · 15:30–16:15

Charts

Choose a chart, label it and improve its design.

  1. Choose a chart for the question · 15 min
  2. Label the chart so someone else can read it · 15 min
  3. Improve the design without changing the message · 15 min

Final practical task and evaluation →