How to Sort Data in Coda

Learn how to sort rows in a Coda table using the Options menu, with ascending, descending, and multi-level sort steps.

Quick answer

To sort data in Coda, open your table and click the Options menu in the table's upper-left corner, then select Sort. Click Add Sort Column, choose the column to sort by, and pick Ascending or Descending order. Add multiple sort levels to refine results, and Coda saves your sort automatically.

Steps at a glance

  1. Open the Coda doc containing your table
  2. Click the table's Options menu
  3. Select Sort from the menu
  4. Click Add Sort Column
  5. Choose the column to sort by
  6. Select Ascending or Descending order
  7. Add more sort levels if needed

Summary

Sorting in Coda lets you reorder table rows based on one or more column values, such as date, priority, or name, without altering the underlying data. It's a core organizational tool that makes large tables easier to scan and analyze at a glance.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Step 1

    Open your Coda doc and locate the table

    Navigate to the Coda doc containing the table you want to sort. If you haven't built the table yet, see how to create a table before applying a sort order.

  2. Step 2

    Open the table's Options menu

    Hover over the table until a small toolbar or menu icon appears near the top-left corner of the table, then click Options. This opens a dropdown with several table management tools, including Sort.

  3. Step 3

    Select Sort from the dropdown

    Click Sort in the Options menu to open the sort configuration panel. This panel lets you define the order rows should follow based on specific column values.

  4. Step 4

    Add a sort column

    Click '+ Add sort' to choose which column determines the row order. Select the relevant column from the list, such as Due Date, Name, or Priority.

  5. Step 5

    Choose Ascending or Descending order

    Pick Ascending to arrange values from lowest to highest, A to Z, or earliest to latest. Choose Descending for the reverse order, which is useful for showing newest dates or highest values first.

  6. Step 6

    Add multiple sort levels (optional)

    Click '+ Add sort' again to layer a second or third sort rule, such as sorting by Status first and then by Due Date within each status group. Coda applies each level in the order listed, from top to bottom.

  7. Step 7

    Review the sorted table

    Close the Options panel and check that rows now appear in the expected order. If you need to isolate specific rows instead of reordering all of them, pair sorting with filtering data for a more focused view.

Why this matters

You're staring at a task list with dozens of rows and no clear order, making it hard to spot what's overdue or highest priority. Sorting by due date or status instantly reorganizes the view so you can focus on what matters most without manually rearranging anything.

Frequently asked questions

  • Does sorting in Coda change the actual row data?

    No. Sorting only changes the visual order in which rows display. The underlying data and row content remain unchanged, and you can re-sort or remove the sort at any time.

  • Can I sort by more than one column?

    Yes. Click '+ Add sort' multiple times to add additional sort levels. Coda applies them in sequence, so the first sort rule takes priority before the second rule breaks any ties.

  • Is sorting available on Coda's free plan?

    Yes, sorting is a core table feature available to every Coda user regardless of plan, including free accounts, with no row or doc limits tied specifically to this feature.

  • Can I sort a filtered view without affecting the main table?

    Yes. Create a separate view of the table and apply your sort there. This keeps the original table's row order intact while giving you a custom sorted perspective for specific needs.

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