Steps to Create a Helper Column for Sorting Project Numbers Numerically: Reference the Project Number Column:

In your helper sheet, reference the AllData[ProjectNum] column. For example, if your project numbers are in column A of the AllData table, you can reference them in the helper sheet like this:

=AllData[ProjectNum]

Copy this formula down to create a full column of references in your helper sheet (let’s call this column NumCopy).

Extract the Numeric Part of the Project Number:

In the next column (let’s call it Order), use your formula to extract the numeric part of the project number:

=VALUE(TRIM(MID(V2, 9, LEN(V2)))) Adjust V2 to the correct cell reference in your helper sheet (e.g., if NumCopy is in column V, and you’re starting in row 2).

This formula assumes the numeric part starts at the 9th character. If the structure of your project numbers varies, you may need to adjust the MID function.

Ensure the Order Column is Numeric:

Double-check that the Order column is formatted as a number. To do this:

Select the Order column.

Go to the Home tab > Number Format > Choose Number.

If there are any errors (e.g., #VALUE!), it means some project numbers don’t follow the expected format. You may need to clean the data further.

Sort the Data:

Select both the NumCopy and Order columns in your helper sheet.

Go to the Data tab > Click Sort.

Sort by the Order column (smallest to largest).

Ensure the "My data has headers" option is checked if your helper table has headers.