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Google Sheets · Verified tutorial

Sort by color in Google Sheets

Apply a red fill to B3 and B5, create a filter on A1:B5, then sort column B by the red fill color so the red cells appear first.

Verified by JosephineAbout 60 seconds
Quick answer

Apply a red fill to B3 and B5, create a filter on A1:B5, then sort column B by the red fill color so the red cells appear first.

Step-by-step

1

Select the targetApply a red fill to B3 and B5, create a filter on A1:B5.

2

Apply the changesort column B by the red fill color so the red cells appear first.

Shortcut or faster method

Select the full target range first. This avoids repeating the same change cell by cell.

Expected result

A filter covers the table and the two urgent red rows appear first.

Common mistake

Starting with the wrong cell or range selected.

Troubleshooting

Re-select B3 and repeat the final action. A filter covers the table and the two urgent red rows appear first.

Example spreadsheet data

This is the clean fixture used for the verified run.

TaskPriority
WebsiteNormal
PayrollUrgent
CampaignNormal
RenewalUrgent

Video transcript

  1. Open the prepared Practice spreadsheet.
  2. Select the target. Apply a red fill to B3 and B5, create a filter on A1:B5.
  3. Apply the change. sort column B by the red fill color so the red cells appear first.
  4. A filter covers the table and the two urgent red rows appear first.