Skip to main content

Power BI

Completed

Add a multiple columns sort feature

Vote (4034) Share
Power BI User's profile image

Power BI User on 23 Dec 2015 22:09:02

If it is possible please provide the multiple columns sort . For example I want to sort the table visualization based on Priority and severity

Administrator on 18 Dec 2020 23:57:00

This has been implemented for tables as of March 2020: 

Power BI Desktop March 2020 Feature Summary | Microsoft Power BI Blog | Microsoft Power BI

We're well aware, however, that more can be done to improve its discoverability--as well as to extend support for the feature to other visuals (like the matrix). Keep an eye out for future developments! 

Comments (248)
Power BI User's profile image Profile Picture

James on 16 Aug 2020 04:02:14

RE: Add a multiple columns sort feature

I just watched a Udemy video of how easy it is in Tableau how to order data in a bar chart by multiple columns -- region then sales. It is a complete pain to do the same in Power BI. If this is to be Microsoft's answer to BI, they need to have the basics covered. It is a promising product but bloody painful to use at times.

The only way I can get the table to sort properly is to create bar chart and filter only one region and then sort the data descending. Then copy/paste/align the chart to the right of the existing chart then filter a different region, resize so the bars are the same size in width--repeat for each region. It works but horribly inefficient.

Microsoft, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, add this feature, soon!

Power BI User's profile image Profile Picture

Billy on 16 Aug 2020 04:02:11

RE: Add a multiple columns sort feature

That would be a useful feature. Not having this frequently creates awkward issues - sometimes easy to work around, but still a pain.

Power BI User's profile image Profile Picture

Power BI User on 16 Aug 2020 04:02:10

RE: Add a multiple columns sort feature

every client..."what do you mean it can't sort by more than one column?" (embarrassed look away and clearing throat...)

Power BI User's profile image Profile Picture

Power BI User on 16 Aug 2020 04:02:10

RE: Add a multiple columns sort feature

More info on the Feb 28 Comment.
I think the original poster is referring to the query editor in PowerBI Desktop.
You can sort on multiple columns there.
Not sure how this ripples through to the PowerBI service and changes made to sorting there

Power BI User's profile image Profile Picture

Dinkum Analytics on 16 Aug 2020 04:02:05

RE: Add a multiple columns sort feature

It would make a huge difference to the depth of analysis that can be done in Power BI if this functionality is added.

Power BI User's profile image Profile Picture

Quinton Coish on 16 Aug 2020 04:02:04

RE: Add a multiple columns sort feature

this would be great - every client that has seen our dashboards has asked for this!

Power BI User's profile image Profile Picture

Rick Vander Sanden on 16 Aug 2020 04:01:56

RE: Add a multiple columns sort feature

In response to February 28 comment. Where do you see the "1" and "2". In the Table visual within Power BI desktop I do not see this.

Power BI User's profile image Profile Picture

Carlos Urbina on 16 Aug 2020 04:01:56

RE: Add a multiple columns sort feature

yes, unconscionable to not be able to sort by multiple columns

Power BI User's profile image Profile Picture

Micky Weber on 16 Aug 2020 04:01:55

RE: Add a multiple columns sort feature

Please add the much needed functionality

Power BI User's profile image Profile Picture

Anonymous on 16 Aug 2020 04:01:48

RE: Add a multiple columns sort feature

it appears that this is allowed as of now (cannot speak of previous versions). when i sort my first column it puts a "1" next to the sort drop down and then when i sort my second column it puts a "2" there.