How to Alphabetize a List
Every method — online in seconds, or step-by-step in Word, Excel, Google Docs and Google Sheets.
Method 1: Online (fastest, any device)
Go to quicktoolshub.org/alphabetical-sorter. Paste your list (one item per line), select A → Z, and the sorted result appears instantly. Copy with one click. Works on any device without installing anything.
Method 2: Microsoft Word
- Select the list you want to sort (or select all with Ctrl+A)
- Go to the Home tab
- In the Paragraph group, click the Sort button (the AZ↓ icon)
- In the Sort Text dialog: Sort by Paragraphs, Type Text, Ascending
- Click OK
Method 3: Microsoft Excel
- Click any cell in the column you want to sort
- Go to the Data tab
- Click Sort A to Z (or Sort Z to A)
- If prompted, choose whether to expand the selection (to sort related rows) or sort only the selected column
Method 4: Google Docs
Google Docs has no built-in paragraph sort. Options:
- Copy the list → paste into Alphabetical Sorter → copy sorted result → paste back
- Install the free Sorted Paragraphs add-on from Google Workspace Marketplace
Method 5: Google Sheets
- Select the column containing your list
- Go to Data > Sort sheet > Sort sheet by column A (A to Z)
- For a range-only sort: Data > Sort range and choose your options
Alphabetizing names by last name
To alphabetize by surname when names are in “First Last” format: reformat to “Last, First” before sorting. The sorter will then use the surname (first character) for ordering. After sorting, you can reformat back to “First Last” if needed.
Alphabetize your list now — free, instant
Paste your list, sort A–Z, copy. No sign-up, no file upload.
Use Alphabetical Sorter →Frequently asked questions
How do I alphabetize a list online?
Go to quicktoolshub.org/alphabetical-sorter. Paste your list — one item per line — select A → Z, and the sorted output appears instantly. Copy it with one click. No sign-up, no file upload, runs in your browser.
How do I alphabetize a list in Microsoft Word?
Select the list you want to sort. Go to Home tab > Paragraph group > Sort button (the AZ icon). In the Sort Text dialog, choose Sort by: Paragraphs, Type: Text, and select Ascending (A to Z) or Descending (Z to A). Click OK. Word will sort the selected paragraphs alphabetically.
How do I alphabetize a list in Excel?
Select the column or cells you want to sort. Go to the Data tab and click Sort A to Z (or Sort Z to A). If your data has headers, Excel will ask — check 'My data has headers' if the first row is a heading. For multiple columns, use the Sort dialog (Data > Sort) to add sort levels.
How do I alphabetize a list in Google Docs?
Google Docs does not have a built-in sort for paragraphs. The easiest method: copy the list, paste it into the Alphabetical Sorter at quicktoolshub.org/alphabetical-sorter, sort it, then paste the result back into your document. Alternatively, install the Sorted Paragraphs add-on from Google Workspace Marketplace.
How do I alphabetize a list in Google Sheets?
Select the column you want to sort. Go to Data > Sort sheet > Sort sheet by column A, A to Z. For just a selected range (without affecting other columns), use Data > Sort range and choose your column and direction. Google Sheets is generally easier for sorting than Google Docs.
How do I alphabetize names by last name?
If names are in 'First Last' format, you need to either: (1) rearrange them to 'Last, First' format before sorting, or (2) sort manually. The Alphabetical Sorter sorts whatever is at the start of each line, so formatting names as 'Smith, John' before sorting will alphabetize by surname correctly.