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I copied and pasted a list of names into excel and the code to alphabetize by last name is not carrying over.

Tammany Hoover 0 Reputation points
2026-02-12T15:48:08.5133333+00:00

I have a list of 500+ names on my sheet that I want alphabetized by last name. I added a sheet from another excel document to the original list of names. Then I added the formula to make the last names appear first.

The formula carries through the entire sheet. However, when the it gets to the sheet that I incorporated into the original list, it does not include that in the alphabetizing even though the formula continues! It does however continue the formula but starting as if that sheet was all its own. Again, the formula includes the entire sheet! I have tried everything! Starting new documents, etc. The formula is there and continues!

Suggestions, PLEASE!

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  1. AI answer

    2026-02-12T15:48:21.92+00:00

    It sounds like you are experiencing issues with sorting a list of names in Excel after merging data from different sheets. Here are some suggestions to help you resolve the problem:

    1. Check for Merged Cells: Ensure that there are no merged cells in the range you are trying to sort. Merged cells can cause sorting issues in Excel. If you have merged cells, they need to be identically sized for the sort to work properly.
    2. Consistent Formula Application: Make sure that the formula you are using to extract last names is applied consistently across all rows, including those from the newly added sheet. You might need to adjust the formula to ensure it references the correct cells from the new sheet.
    3. Re-evaluate the Formula: If the formula is not behaving as expected, try re-evaluating it. You can do this by copying the formula to a new column and checking if it correctly references the last names from the new sheet.
    4. Sort Data: After ensuring that all names are correctly formatted and the formula is applied consistently, select the entire range of names (including the new sheet) and use the Sort feature in Excel. Go to the Data tab and select "Sort" to sort by the last name column.
    5. Use Helper Columns: If the formula is complex, consider using a helper column to extract last names separately before sorting. This can simplify the sorting process.

    If these suggestions do not resolve the issue, you may want to look into the specific formula you are using or consider sharing more details about it for further assistance.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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