How to Sort Microsoft Word Lists Alphabetically



Here’s a look at how to sort a list in Microsoft Word alphabetically.
If you are putting together a list of names in Microsoft Word, usually people will want that list to be in alphabetical order. Rather than doing the alphabet in your head, you can let Word do it for you. The process is pretty simple, but if you aren’t an old Word-veteran then it’s likely that you haven’t used it before. Let’s take a look at how to sort a list in Microsoft Word alphabetically.
Note: The process is fairly similar no matter what version of Word you are using. The screenshots below may vary a bit as they were taken using Microsoft Word in Office 365. Also, this process assumes that you’ve already written your list in a document.
Sort Lists in Word Alphabetically
First, open your Word document and select your bulleted or numbered list by highlighting it. In the example below I am using a numbered list of names.
Next, select the Home tab and in the Paragraph section click the Sort button. It is the button that has the letters AZ with a down arrow next to them.
The “Sort Text” dialog should appear. Under the “Sort by” section select Paragraphs from the dropdown menu and for the “Type” field select Text. If this is your first time doing this those should be selected by default.
Choose whether you want to sort by Ascending or Descending order and click OK.
That’s all there is to it. Your list should now be sorted alphabetically.
For more on ways to manage lists in your Word documents, check out how to create a checklist in Word and how to create custom bullet point lists. Or if you need help with forms check out how to create a fillable form using Word.
15 Comments
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iKlsR
really helpful… thanks alot!
Julian Shipp
Very helpful tip. I had forgotten, but knew there was a way. Thanks!
groovinJackman
Next to numbering and “find and replace,” sort alphabetically is one of the handiest features of Word. As someone who deals with lots of long, long lists, Word’s features saves me from a lot of tedious weeding out of duplicates.
Mark
Thank you so much
R Biswas
Thank you!!
Stan Bunce
Thanks very helpful.Can you do the same in one note?
Raghunath
Thanks a lot Man. So simple a solution which many like me are totally oblivious of. Was of great help.
Terrye
This is great and it sorted it by first name alphabetically but how do I get it to change and sort the last name alphabetically?
MA Pechet
Very helpful: simple and straightforward – Thanks!
Rocio
Muchas gracias! Thank you so much
Alan
In Word 2010, I have a list of email addresses. Followed your instructions (pretty easy!–select all, click a to z button, select paragraph and text, and click okay). Nothing happens! I notice there are degree signs before each email address when reveal codes is activated.
Alan
disqus_QEf6GbLbdq
thanks for the info. i struggled for ages, yet, when i did what you instructed, hey presto!!
Halina Biernacki
Very clear visual … thanks
melissa
thank you this was very helpful.
Stephen
Thanks, helped me on my resume