multiple column sort in a pivot table

[JPreeshl]

I have a pivot table with names then the count of those names. I want to sort
by the count first then the names. I can only sort by 1 or the other. When I
sort the count column the name column does not sort correctly.
name count
jeff 3
sam 3
adam 3
joe 2
I would like adam to be the first name in the sort. How do I sort both
columns?

 

[ShaneDevenshire]

Hi,

Double-click the Name field button and in the Pivot Table Field dialog box
click Advanced. Choose Descending or Ascending depending on which way you
want the Count to be sorted. Then pick the Count of Names from the Using
field list and click OK.

This will cause the count colum to be in order and the name field to stay in
the default sort order of ascending.

 

[JPreeshl]

I am not sure where the name field button is. Is it in the actual pivot table
or the pivottable field list? I have double clicked on everything but I don't
find an "Advanced" tab in any dialog box. I double click on the name field
button in field list but nothing comes up.

 

[ShaneDevenshire]

Hi,

I don't know what the field name is that contains the list of names so I
called it the Name field button. You should double-click the field button in
the pivot table in the spreadsheet.

I assume you are using 2003 or earlier?

Another way to do the same thing is to click in any cell of the field that
contains the names in the pivot table and choose Field Setting (a Pivot Table
toolbar button), then click Advanced...

If you are using 2007 then:

1. Place your cursor in the field with the names, in the spreadsheet, in the
pivot table
2. Choose Data, Sort
3. Pick either Ascending or Descending
4. From the dropdown list that shows up below this choice Count of "myfield
name"
5. Click the Options button, and uncheck the checkbox beside Sort
automaticallly...
6. Under Sort By choose either Grand Total or Values in selected column
(here you are indicating which column of the Values area you are going to
sort on in case there are more than one).
7. If you pick Values in selected column then indicate a cell in the pivot
table in the column you want to sort on.

 

[JPreeshl]

I am using xl2007. I get to "sort by" but that option is greyed out. I can't
click on it. How do I get that changed?

 

[JPreeshl]

I got it figured out. I wasn't picking the "count" column.
Thank you very much for sticking with me.

 

[ShaneDevenshire]

No problem, glad to help.