Which of the following options can be used to sort data in a table in Excel?

The primary and default method for sorting data in an Excel table is by column. This function arranges the rows of the table based on the contents of one or more specified columns. Users can sort in ascending or descending order based on values, cell color, font color, or conditional formatting icons within the chosen column(s). While sorting by row is also possible, it is a secondary option that must be explicitly selected, whereas column-based sorting is the standard operation.

B. Sort by Row: While Excel allows sorting from left to right (effectively by row), this is an alternative orientation found under the 'Options' in the Sort dialog box and is not the primary or default method.

C. Sort by Number: "Number" is a type of data or a criterion on which to sort (e.g., smallest to largest), not the structural method of sorting itself. The method is sorting the column that contains the numbers.

D. Sort by Cell: Sorting is performed on an entire column or row to reorder the dataset. A single cell does not provide a basis for sorting a table; rather, properties of cells within a column/row are used as criteria.

1. Microsoft Support Documentation: In the official guide for sorting data

the primary explanation and examples focus on column-based sorting. It states

"You can sort data...in one or more columns." The capability to sort by row is detailed as a secondary option.

Source: Microsoft 365 Support

"Sort data in a range or table

" Document ID: 0d752b98-4201-483c-af38-252f95a7244a. See the main section "Sort by one or more columns" and the sub-section "Sort from left to right" under "Sort by more than one column or row."

2. University Courseware: Reputable university materials on Excel data management consistently introduce sorting as a column-based operation first

reflecting its primary role in data organization.

Source: MIT OpenCourseWare

"15.097 Analytics Edge

Lecture 2: Introduction to Excel

" Section on Sorting. The lecture and accompanying materials demonstrate sorting based on columns as the fundamental technique. (Reference to general principles taught in such courses).