Quick question on MS Excel custom sort filter

[Mears]

I have a list of zip codes, some of which have the 4 digit extension and some that don't. There are two different zip code types listed under special, but neither of them work. The 5 digit only, sorts as follows:

38123
49436
90210
49436-1234 - Notice this is out of place

The extension one adds extra numbers to the ones missing the extensions.

Any idea on how to get around this?

 

[NeoV]

yes, in a column right next to that one, use the function LEFT to give you a 5 digit ONLY value for each zip code, and sort by that column..

=left(a1,5)

is what the command would look like...assuming your zip codes start in cell A1 - just copy that formula down for all the zip codes you have, then sort

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

break apart the zip so that you have the 5 digits in 1 column and the 4 digits in another.

 

[bunker]

Originally posted by: yamahaXS
break apart the zip so that you have the 5 digits in 1 column and the 4 digits in another.

That would be my suggestion as well.

 

[Mears]

Thanks for the tips.