Sort reorders rows; Filter hides rows that fail criteria—both are reversible if you work on a copy.
Sort
Data → Sort — include headers; sort by one or more columns. Expand selection to keep rows intact.
Filter
Data → Filter (or Table auto-filter). Slicers attach to tables/pivots for clickable filters.
Caution
Sorting breaks row-dependent formulas if references are not absolute—prefer Tables and structured refs.
Important interview questions and answers
- Q: Filter vs hide?
A: Filter is non-destructive view; hidden rows still in file. - Q: Multi-column sort?
A: Tie-breakers by second column.
Self-check
- Why sort with headers?
- How is filter different from deleting rows?
Tip: Convert to Table before heavy filtering—structured refs survive better.
Interview prep
- Filter destructive?
Hides rows; does not delete data.