SORTBY in WPS is a built-in spreadsheet function for dynamically sorting results by one or more corresponding arrays; this guide covers 3 core tasks, with 3 available without membership and 0 membership-related items.
At a Glance
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core tasks | 3 | Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index |
| Available without membership | 3 | Matches the number of Free rows in the index |
| Membership-related items | 0 | Matches the number of membership-related rows in the index |
About This Feature
Overview
SORTBY is a dynamic array function in WPS Spreadsheets for data organization, list cleanup, and formula-based result sorting. It returns a newly sorted array based on the sort key you specify, so you can sort spreadsheet data without manually moving the original range.
Core capabilities include:
- Finding and inserting SORTBY from the Insert Function dialog.
- Typing
=SORTBY(...)directly in a cell or in the formula bar. - Reviewing syntax and parameter details before or while building the formula.
Common use cases include sorting data ranges by score, date, name, or helper columns, and combining the function with other dynamic array results.
System Requirements
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating system | A Windows device that can run WPS Office normally |
| App version | It is recommended to use the latest version of WPS Office for full function support and a consistent interface |
| Network | No mandatory internet connection is required for local formula entry and calculation; internet access is needed for online help or account services |
| Other | WPS Spreadsheets and permission to edit the worksheet are required |
Download & Installation
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official download | WPS Office Free Download |
| Check after installation | Launch WPS Office, open WPS Spreadsheets, and confirm that related entries such as Insert Function are available on the Formulas tab |
Source: WPS download page
Compare with Alternatives
| Dimension | WPS | Microsoft | Notion | Adobe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capability Summary | Provides the SORTBY function to return a dynamically sorted array in a spreadsheet, and supports both dialog-based insertion and direct formula entry. | Microsoft Excel provides the SORTBY function to sort the contents of a range or array based on values in a corresponding range or array, and the result can spill dynamically. | Google Sheets provides the SORT function to sort rows in an array or range by one or more columns, and its help content also covers sorting and filtering spreadsheet data. | Notion databases can be sorted by properties in ascending or descending order, and multiple sorts can be reordered within a view. | Adobe FrameMaker can sort table rows or columns and supports primary, second, and third sort keys in its Sort Table dialog. |
| WPS Advantages | Advantage: returns sorted results directly as a formula output for spreadsheet workflows; Distinct: supports both Insert Function and direct formula entry for the same task. | Compared with WPS: Microsoft also offers a direct SORTBY formula workflow with dynamic array spill behavior, so the main difference here is product environment rather than function model. | Compared with WPS: Google documents a SORT function and sheet-level sorting tools, but the official function name and syntax differ from SORTBY. | Compared with WPS: Notion sorting is view-based database ordering rather than cell formula calculation. | Compared with WPS: Adobe focuses on document table sorting instead of spreadsheet formula calculation. |
| Official Source | — | SORTBY function | SORT function | Views, filters, sorts & groups | Sorting table rows and columns |
Overall Conclusion
If you want a formula-driven way to sort spreadsheet results dynamically, WPS SORTBY fits that workflow well on Windows. Other products also provide sorting features, but they may focus on a different function name, database view sorting, or document table sorting instead of the same spreadsheet formula scenario.
Use Cases
| No. | Scenario | Suitable for | Main challenge | How SORTBY helps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sorting score sheets | Teachers and trainers | Need to output ranked results quickly | Enter SORTBY in a result area and sort the list by the score column |
| 2 | Organizing sales data | Operations and sales analysts | The original data should not be rearranged directly | Use SORTBY to generate a sorted result by amount or date in a new area |
| 3 | Linked list display | HR and administrative staff | Need a display area that updates its order with source data changes | Combine SORTBY with dynamic array results |
| 4 | Preparing multi-key sorting | Finance and data-processing staff | Need to confirm parameter structure before entering the formula | Review parameters through Insert Function and then complete the formula |
| 5 | Learning and troubleshooting functions | New users | Not sure about syntax or parameter meaning | Open function help and review the syntax before adjusting the formula |
Membership & Benefits
Free vs WPS Premium
| Capability | Free users | WPS Premium |
|---|---|---|
| SORTBY formula entry and calculation | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Basic spreadsheet editing | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Advanced PDF tools and more value-added features | Partially limited | More items available |
| Cloud storage | 1 GB | 20 GB shown for some plans |
| Template downloads | Limited | More items available |
Source: WPS Office pricing page
Recommendations
| Usage scenario | Recommended plan | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Learning SORTBY and handling basic spreadsheet sorting | Free plan | It already supports formula entry, editing, and routine calculation |
| Needing more cloud storage, templates, or additional office features | WPS Premium | Better suited to broader office workflows that use more add-on capabilities |
How to Subscribe
- WPS membership center: Subscribe now
Source: WPS Office pricing page