How to clear sort in Excel

You can watch a video tutorial here.

Excel provides a simple way to sort a table based on any one of its columns. Even if the column does not have a name or header, the column letter can be used to sort data. Sorting can be done in ascending or descending order and either alphabetically or numerically. There may be situations where you would like to clear the sort order to mix up the data.  For example, you may want to pick a random set of records from a table. To do this, you will first need to mix up the data. While there is no specific option to clear the sort in Excel, there is a workaround. 

Step 1 – Create a blank column

– Insert a blank column by selecting the first column and clicking Insert from the context menu (right-click)

Step 2 – Create a random number

– Enter the RANDBETWEEN() function to create a random number between 1 and 500:
=RANDBETWEEN(1,500)
– Press Enter

Step 3 – Copy the formula to the rest of the column

– Using the fill handle from the first cell, drag the formula to the remaining cells
OR
a) Select the cell with the formula and press Ctrl+C or choose Copy from the context menu (right-click)
b) Select the rest of the cells in the column and press Ctrl+V or choose Paste from the context menu (right-click)

Step 4 – Sort the data 

– Select the data
– Choose the Sort option from the ribbon under Home > Sort & Filter 
– Select (Column A)  in the Sort window
– Click OK

Step 5 – View the result

– The order of the data is now random and the sort can be considered removed
– The new column can be deleted