Ultimate 2-Column Sort: 5 Pro Hacks for Negatives Top 2025

Hack 1: The Classic Helper Column

This is the most reliable and easy-to-understand method, perfect for users of any skill level and any version of Excel or Google Sheets.

How it works: You create a new column that categorizes each row based on its value in the numeric column. This new "helper" column becomes your primary sort key.

1. Create the Helper Column: Insert a new column, let's call it 'Sort Order'.
2. Apply a Formula: In the first cell of this new column, enter a formula like =IF([value_cell]<0, 1, 2). For example, if your net change is in column B starting at B2, the formula would be =IF(B2<0, 1, 2). This assigns a '1' to all negative numbers and a '2' to all positive numbers and zero. Drag this formula down for all your data.
3. Apply a Multi-Level Sort: Now, use the standard 'Sort' feature. Set your primary sort level to the 'Sort Order' column (Ascending). Set your secondary sort level to your text column (e.g., 'Region', Ascending). Set your tertiary sort level to the numeric column ('Net Change', Ascending or Descending, as needed within the groups).

Pros: Universal compatibility, easy to debug, very clear logic.
Cons: Adds an extra column to your data, which may not be ideal for final presentation.

Hack 2: The SIGN Function & SORTBY Formula

For users with modern versions of Excel (Office 365) or Google Sheets, this is a more elegant, formula-based approach that avoids a permanent helper column.

How it works: The SORTBY function lets you sort a range of data based on corresponding values in other ranges that are not part of the final output. We use the SIGN function to generate our sorting criteria on the fly.

• Google Sheets Formula:
  =SORT(A2:B10, SIGN(B2:B10), 1, 1, 1)
  This sorts the range A2:B10. The first sort criterion is SIGN(B2:B10), which returns -1 for negatives, 0 for zero, and 1 for positives. Sorting this ascending (1) puts negatives first. The second criterion is the first column (1), sorted ascending (1).
• Excel 365 Formula:
  =SORTBY(A2:B10, SIGN(B2:B10), 1, A2:A10, 1)
  This sorts the range A2:B10. The first sort array is SIGN(B2:B10) with an ascending order (1). The second sort array is the region column A2:A10, also with an ascending order (1).

Pros: No helper columns, dynamic (updates if source data changes), single formula.
Cons: Requires a modern version of Excel/Google Sheets; the formula can be intimidating for beginners.

Hack 3: The Power Query Transformation

For those who work with large datasets or need a repeatable, automated process in Excel, Power Query (Get & Transform) is the ultimate solution.

How it works: You use the Power Query editor to build a query that adds a conditional column, sorts the data, and then loads the perfectly structured result back into your worksheet.

1. Load Data into Power Query: Select your data range and go to Data > From Table/Range.
2. Add a Conditional Column: In the Power Query Editor, go to Add Column > Conditional Column. Set up a rule: If 'Net Change' is less than 0, then output 1, else output 2.
3. Sort the Data: Click the dropdown on your new conditional column header and select 'Sort Ascending'. Then, hold the Shift key, click the dropdown on your 'Region' column header, and select 'Sort Ascending'. The order you click matters!
4. Clean Up and Load: Right-click the header of the conditional column and select 'Remove'. Finally, click Home > Close & Load to place the sorted table on a new sheet.

Pros: Extremely powerful for large data, steps are recorded and repeatable, handles data cleaning and transformation seamlessly.
Cons: Steeper learning curve, overkill for simple, one-off tasks.

Hack 4: The Dynamic Array Formula (VSTACK/FILTER)

This is the cutting-edge method for formula purists using the latest Excel or Google Sheets. It physically separates the data into two arrays (negatives and positives), sorts each one individually, and then stacks them back together.

How it works: We use FILTER to create two separate lists and VSTACK (or curly braces {} in Google Sheets) to combine them.

• Excel 365 Formula:
  =VSTACK(SORT(FILTER(A2:B10, B2:B10<0)), SORT(FILTER(A2:B10, B2:B10>=0)))
  This formula first filters for all rows with negative values and sorts them. Then, it does the same for non-negative values. Finally, VSTACK vertically stacks the first result on top of the second.
• Google Sheets Formula:
  ={SORT(FILTER(A2:B10, B2:B10<0)); SORT(FILTER(A2:B10, B2:B10>=0))}
  This achieves the exact same result using Google Sheets' array literal syntax (curly braces and a semicolon for vertical stacking).

Pros: The most powerful and flexible formula-based solution, fully dynamic.
Cons: Can be complex to write and debug; requires the very latest spreadsheet functions.

Hack 5: The Quick & Dirty Two-Step Manual Sort

Sometimes, you don't need a complex formula or a repeatable query. You just need to get the job done for a one-time report. This manual method is fast and requires no special knowledge.

How it works: You literally sort the data in two passes.

1. Isolate Negatives: Apply a filter to your numeric column to show only values "less than 0". Select the visible data and sort it by your text column (e.g., 'Region').
2. Isolate Positives: Clear the filter and re-apply it to show only values "greater than or equal to 0". Sort this visible data by your text column.
3. Clear All Filters: Remove the filter entirely. The data will remain in the desired order: sorted negatives on top, followed by sorted positives.

Pros: Very fast for one-off tasks, intuitive, requires no formulas.
Cons: Completely manual, not repeatable, prone to error if you miss a step.