If a column sorts as 1, 10, 2 rather than 1, 2, 10, some entries may be text. First confirm that the column represents numeric quantities rather than identifiers requiring textual order.
Inspect the types in the sorted column
Use =ISNUMBER(A2) in a helper column to test representative values. Check the formula bar for spaces, apostrophes, or imported characters. A numeric-looking display does not establish the stored type.
Inspect blank-looking entries too. An empty cell and a cell containing spaces may not behave the same way. Preserve the original values while investigating instead of deleting everything that looks unusual.
Create a numeric sorting key
For genuine amounts or measurements, test =VALUE(A2) in a helper column. Review decimal and thousands separators against the source convention. Leave failed conversions visible for review rather than making them all zero.
For IDs such as 0010, decide whether leading zeros are meaningful before converting. A natural business order for mixed codes may require a separately defined key; removing punctuation is not a universal sorting rule.
Sort complete records and reconcile
Select the full record range, identify its header, and sort by the checked helper key. Include a secondary key when tied values need a predictable order. Avoid sorting the helper column independently.
Check the smallest and largest quantities, negative values, decimals, and ties. Confirm each ID still carries its original associated fields. Once the numeric source is corrected, update the recurring import or entry process so future rows do not recreate a mixture of numeric and textual quantities in the same column.
References
Reviewed against the linked official product guidance on November 3, 2026. Features, limits, screen labels, and access can vary by account, platform, region, and organization policy.