What is the función ORDENAR en Google Sheets?

The función ORDENAR (SORT function) in Google Sheets returns a dynamically sorted copy of a range without modifying the original data. The syntax is `=SORT(range, sort_column, is_ascending)`. Unlike Data > Sort, it's a formula: it spills results into adjacent cells and recalculates automatically when source data changes. It was introduced in Google Sheets' 2019 dynamic array overhaul and is available across all plan tiers as of June 2026.

When should I use SORTBY instead of SORT?

Use SORTBY when the column you're sorting by isn't included in the output range, or when you're sorting by a calculated field. SORT requires the sort column to exist within the range parameter. SORTBY accepts a separate array entirely - `=SORTBY('Segments'!A4:D15, 'Segments'!F4:F15, FALSE)` sorts columns A-D by column F, which never appears in the output. For most FP&A use cases where you want clean display tables, SORTBY is the cleaner choice.

Does SORT modify my source data?

No. SORT and SORTBY are read-only to the source range - they output to a separate spill range starting at the formula cell. This is the critical difference from Data > Sort, which permanently reorders the source. In a model where multiple tabs reference the same source (P&L feeding into Returns Analysis feeding into a Summary), SORT is safe to use; Data > Sort will break those cross-tab references.

How do I sort by multiple columns in Google Sheets?

Use SORTBY with stacked sort_by/is_ascending pairs: `=SORTBY(range, array1, TRUE/FALSE, array2, TRUE/FALSE)`. You can chain as many pairs as needed. SORT also supports multi-column sorting with repeated column/direction parameters, but requires each sort column to exist within the range. SORTBY is more flexible when your sort keys live in different columns or need to be excluded from the output.

Why am I getting a #SPILL! error from my SORT formula?

A cell in the spill range - the area where SORT wants to write its output - is occupied. Clear the cells below and to the right of the SORT formula. If that area overlaps with labels, other formulas, or merged cells, move the SORT output to a dedicated display tab. Google Sheets won't overwrite existing content; it throws `#SPILL!` instead. A merged cell one row below the formula is a common culprit in formatted board pack templates.

Función ORDENAR en Google Sheets: SORT for FP&A 2026

As of June 2026, SORT and its companion SORTBY are part of Google Sheets' dynamic array engine, introduced in the 2019 formula overhaul. Both spill results into as many cells as needed with no manual range management required.

Función ORDENAR en Google Sheets: Syntax and Arguments

=SORT(range, sort_column, is_ascending, [sort_column2, is_ascending2, ...])

range: the data to sort - can reference another tab entirely
sort_column: column index within the range (1-based)
is_ascending: TRUE for A→Z or low→high, FALSE for high→low
Optional column/direction pairs let you sort by multiple criteria

Sorting a 12-segment table from your P&L tab by LTM revenue descending:

=SORT('P&L'!B4:E15, 3, FALSE)

Column 3 in that range is LTM Revenue. The result lands wherever you put the formula and refreshes live when the source changes.

SORTBY: Sort by a Column Outside Your Output Range

SORTBY separates what you're sorting from what you're sorting by:

=SORTBY(range, sort_by_array1, is_ascending1, [sort_by_array2, is_ascending2, ...])

The sort_by_array doesn't have to be inside range. Sort a segment contribution margin table by EBITDA margin, where the margin column lives in column F but you only want columns A through D in the output:

=SORTBY('Segments'!A4:D15, 'Segments'!F4:F15, FALSE)

Break ties by adding a second sort key - EBITDA margin descending, then LTM revenue descending:

=SORTBY(
  'Segments'!A4:D15,
  'Segments'!F4:F15, FALSE,
  'Segments'!C4:C15, FALSE
)

SORT vs SORTBY vs Manual Sort: Which to Use

Method	Source stays unchanged	Dynamic updates	Sort by outside column	Multi-column sort
Manual sort (Data menu)	No	No	N/A	Yes
SORT	Yes	Yes	No (col must be in range)	Yes
SORTBY	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Manual sort is fine for a one-off printout. The moment your data is linked across tabs or refreshed by a feed, you need SORT or SORTBY. A manual sort on linked data is how you present stale comps to a syndicate desk.

Función ORDENAR en Google Sheets + FILTER: Ranked Segment Views

The most useful FP&A pattern: combine SORTBY with FILTER to show only the segments that clear a threshold, ranked by performance.

This formula pulls every segment above $500K LTM revenue from the P&L tab and ranks them by gross margin descending:

=SORT(
  FILTER(
    'P&L'!B4:E15,
    'P&L'!D4:D15 >= 500000
  ),
  3, FALSE
)

Column 3 in the filtered output is gross margin. The top segment in a real model might carry $4.2M in LTM revenue at a 38.5% gross margin. When a segment crosses the $500K threshold it appears automatically. When it drops below, it disappears. No helper columns, no manual updates, no stale board pack.

Wrap in IFERROR if any source cells might be blank:

=IFERROR(
  SORT(
    FILTER('Segments'!A4:D15, 'Segments'!C4:C15 >= 0),
    3, FALSE
  ),
  "No qualifying segments"
)

Multi-Tab SORT in a Returns Analysis or Comps Table

A bank syndicate DCF with 14 comparable companies - sort the comps table by EV/EBITDA ascending and leave the source data untouched:

=SORTBY(
  'Comps'!A3:F16,
  'Comps'!E3:E16, TRUE
)

Your median multiple formula in the same tab stays stable:

=MEDIAN('Comps'!E3:E16)

Because SORTBY outputs to a spill range, the source in Comps!E3:E16 is never reordered. The median doesn't drift when someone changes the display sort. That's not possible with Data > Sort.

For an LBO with 7 scenarios ranked by IRR best to worst:

=SORTBY(
  'Scenarios'!A2:D8,
  'Scenarios'!D2:D8, FALSE
)

When you adjust entry multiple or leverage assumptions, the ranking updates instantly. The scenario at 14.2x EBITDA entry at 6x leverage re-slots itself without any manual intervention.

One Limitation That Catches People Off Guard

SORT and SORTBY spill into a contiguous output range. If any cell in that range is occupied, you get #SPILL!. In a dense model with tight row spacing, this shows up unexpectedly. The fix is simple: either clear the cells below and to the right of where SORT lands, or route sorted output to a dedicated display tab.

According to Google's Sheets function documentation, SORT and SORTBY support up to 2 billion cells in a single formula result, well above Google Sheets' own 10-million-cell-per-spreadsheet cap. The practical constraint is the spreadsheet limit, not the function.

Where ModelMonkey Fits

If your source data comes from HubSpot, Stripe, or a Postgres database, ModelMonkey pulls it into a Sheets tab and keeps it refreshed on a schedule. Your SORT and SORTBY formulas reference that tab, and the ranked output updates automatically when the underlying data does. The pipeline from raw data to ranked view runs without manual exports or copy-paste steps.

Try ModelMonkey free for 14 days - it works in both Google Sheets and Excel.