SORTBY in WPS on Windows: Introduction

SORTBY in WPS helps you sort data in a WPS database sheet formula field; 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	The current tasks can be used directly

About This Feature

Overview

SORTBY is a formula function available in WPS database sheets for sorting target data based on values from another column or array. It is useful when you want formula-driven sorting results and when you need to combine sorting with other functions in the same workflow.

Core tasks include:

Use SORTBY in a formula field to return sorted results.
Follow the parameter structure shown in the formula editor.
Combine SORTBY with other functions for more flexible data handling.

This function is useful for data organization, result display, and formula-based updates. When source data changes, the calculated result can update with it.

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 with database sheet support
Network	A stable internet connection is recommended when opening online database sheets or syncing data
Other	You need an editable database sheet and permission to add or edit formula fields

Download & Installation

Item	Details
Official download	WPS Office Free Download
Check after installation	Open WPS Office, then open a database sheet and confirm that you can add a Formula field

Source: WPS Download Center

Compare with Alternatives

Dimension	WPS	Microsoft	Google	Notion	Adobe
Capability Summary	Uses SORTBY in a database sheet formula field to sort results by another column or array, and supports combination with other functions.	Excel provides the SORTBY function to sort a range or array by one or more corresponding arrays with ascending or descending order options.	Google Sheets provides the SORT function to sort a range by one or more columns, but it does not use a separate SORTBY function name.	Notion supports list sorting in formulas such as `sort(list)`, and database views can also sort by properties, but this is not a cell-based spreadsheet function.	Adobe Acrobat documentation focuses on PDF form field calculations and does not provide a native spreadsheet-style SORTBY function.
WPS Advantages	Advantage: You can calculate sorted results directly in a database sheet formula field. Distinct: It fits formula-based workflows inside the same table.	Compared with WPS: Excel SORTBY is centered on traditional spreadsheet dynamic array workflows.	Compared with WPS: Google Sheets mainly uses SORT for similar outcomes instead of a separate SORTBY function.	Compared with WPS: Notion focuses more on database property sorting and list processing than spreadsheet cell formulas.	Compared with WPS: Acrobat does not provide an equivalent spreadsheet sorting function and is oriented toward PDF form calculations.
Official Source	—	Excel SORTBY function	Google Sheets SORT function	Notion formula syntax Notion views, filters, sorts, and groups	Acrobat form field calculations

Overall Conclusion
WPS SORTBY is a practical fit when you want formula-based sorting results directly inside a database sheet. If your work depends on field linkage and formula combinations in the same table, WPS offers a focused workflow, while Excel and Google Sheets provide related sorting capabilities through different spreadsheet models.

Use Cases

No.	Scenario	Suitable For	Main Need	How SORTBY Helps
1	Output sorted results by a selected field	Data organizers	Reorder data quickly based on another field	Use SORTBY in a formula field to return sorted results
2	Build linked formula tables	Business collaborators	Keep sorted results updated when source data changes	Combine SORTBY with other functions
3	Keep key records in a stable order	Project teams	Avoid repeated manual sorting	Reuse a fixed sorting logic in formulas
4	Adjust display order for multi-condition data	Operations and analysis users	Change display order inside the table	Set sorting references in the formula editor
5	Learn database sheet formulas	New users	Understand where to start with formulas	Begin with a formula field and complete a SORTBY setup

Membership & Benefits

Free vs WPS Premium

Feature	Free	WPS Premium
Basic SORTBY usage	✅ Available	✅ Available
Basic PDF features	✅ Available	✅ Available
Cloud storage	1 GB	20 GB
Templates	Basic templates	More advanced templates
AI-related tools	Limited access for some tools	Broader access and usage scope

Source: WPS Office pricing page

Recommendations

Scenario	Recommended Plan	Why
Daily SORTBY use and basic table organization	Free	The feature itself can be used directly for regular data work
Need more cloud storage, templates, or broader feature access	WPS Premium	Better suited for users who need more resources and extended capabilities

WPS membership center: Subscribe now