SORTN Function in Google Sheets

Sort a range of data and return a specified number of sorted rows using the SORTN function.

SORTN Function

The SORTN function in Google Sheets sorts a range and returns a specified number of sorted rows.

Syntax

SORTN(range, [n], [display_ties_mode], [sort_column1, is_ascending1], ...)
  • range: The range of cells to sort. This is a required parameter.
  • n: (Optional) The number of rows to return. Defaults to the entire range.
  • display_ties_mode: (Optional) Mode for handling ties.
  • sort_column1: (Optional) The index or reference to the first column to sort by.
  • is_ascending1: (Optional) TRUE to sort in ascending order, FALSE for descending order.

Examples

  1. Return Top 3 Rows

Sort the range A1:B10 by column A and return the top 3 rows:

=SORTN(A1:B10, 3, 0, 1, TRUE)

This will return the top 3 sorted rows.

  1. Handle Ties

Sort the range A1:B10 by column A, return the top 3 rows, and include ties:

=SORTN(A1:B10, 3, 1, 1, TRUE)

This will return the top 3 rows and any tied values.

Notes

  • The function allows flexible sorting criteria and returns only the specified number of rows.
  • It supports tie-breaking based on additional columns.
  • SORT: Sort a range based on one or more criteria.
  • UNIQUE: Remove duplicates from a range.