How do you sort data in Excel?

To sort data in Excel, the correct method is to select the data and then navigate to the Data tab where you can choose the "Sort" option. This built-in feature facilitates efficient organization of data by allowing you to sort rows based on specific columns, in ascending or descending order, and apply various sorting criteria. It streamlines the process and ensures that the data remains intact and properly aligned, without manually altering cell positions.

Using the Format Cells option does not provide sorting capabilities; it is focused on changing how the data appears rather than how it is organized. Although keyboard shortcuts can be convenient for various tasks in Excel, the primary sorting function is more comprehensively accessed through the Data tab. Manually rearranging the rows is not an efficient or practical approach, especially with large datasets, as this can lead to data misalignment and increases the risk of errors. Thus, utilizing the Sort feature under the Data tab is the most effective and precise option for organizing data in Excel.