How to Sort Alphabetically in Microsoft Word

Alphabetizing is a skill worth learning in Word, especially if you often work with tables of contents and lists. Luckily, once you know it, the process is very simple. This guide will help you learn how to sort lists alphabetically on any version of Word.

For Word 2007/2010/2013

How to Sort Alphabetically in Microsoft Word Picture 1

Open the file you want to edit. You can also copy and paste a list of words to sort into a document. To sort alphabetically, the data needs to be formatted as a list with each item on one line.

How to Sort Alphabetically in Microsoft Word Picture 2

Select the text you want to sort. If the list is only part of the document, you don't need to highlight the entire text. If you want to sort a list in a large document alphabetically, simply highlight the necessary range of data.

How to Sort Alphabetically in Microsoft Word Picture 3

Click the Home tab. In the Paragraph section of the Home tab, click the Sort button with an 'A' symbol over a 'Z', next to a down arrow. The Sort Text dialog box will appear.

How to Sort Alphabetically in Microsoft Word Picture 4

Choose order. By default, sorting happens by paragraph. Click the Ascending or Descending button to choose how to order the list. Ascending will sort the list in alphabetical order and Descending will do the opposite.

If you want to sort by the second word of each category (for example, by last name for the first name first, last name second format in English), click the Options button in the Sort Text window. In the 'Separate fields by' section, select Other and enter a space. Click OK, then choose Word 2 from the Sort By menu. Finally, click OK to sort the list.

For Word 2003 and earlier

How to Sort Alphabetically in Microsoft Word Picture 5

Open the file you want to edit. You can also copy and paste a list of words to sort into a document. To sort alphabetically, the data needs to be formatted as a list with each item on one line.

How to Sort Alphabetically in Microsoft Word Picture 6

Select the text you want to sort. If the list is only part of the document, you don't need to highlight all the information. If you want to sort a list in a large document alphabetically, simply highlight the necessary range of data.

How to Sort Alphabetically in Microsoft Word Picture 7

Click the Table menu and then select Sort. The Sort Text dialog box opens.

How to Sort Alphabetically in Microsoft Word Picture 8

If you want to sort by the second word of each category (for example, by last name for the first name first, last name second format in English), click the Options button in the Sort Text window. In the 'Separate fields by' section, select Other and enter a space. Click OK, then choose Word 2 in the Sort By menu. Finally, click OK to sort the list.