Sorting in Microsoft Excel .xls - I want to create a Pareto Chart

[Winner]

Howdy,

This is a Microsoft Excel Problem. I want to create a Pareto Chart and I have data in this form


Cause: Frequency
Cause 1: 10
Cause 2: 30
Cause 3: 5
Cause 4: 40

I want to create a sort on that and get the data in this form

Cause: Frequency
Cause 4: 40
Cause 2: 30
Cause 1: 10
Cause 3: 5


I am sure there must be some way in excel to do that, just using sort doesnt work because it sorts only the frequency and the other column remains the same.

Thanks a lot,

Harsh

 

[CHESHIRE STEVE]

Have you tried highlighting both columns cause and frequency, and all of the data.

Then go to Data>Sort>Sort by and sort your frequency column in descending order.

This should also sort the cause column at the same time.

Steve

 

[Jim Wynne]

I'm using Excel 2003, but the method should be at least approximately the same for earlier versions:

1) Select both columns
2) Click on Data (on the "standard" tool bar), then Sort
3) In the resulting dialog box, choose the option at the top (Sort By...) and select the column where the frequency data appears in the drop-down box (let's say it's B in this example), then select Descending and click "OK."

The data should be sorted as you want it. Post back if you still have trouble.

 

[Claes Gefvenberg]

The data should be sorted as you want it. Post back if you still have trouble.

Yep that's what I do as well. Works for me... See enclosed example.

Claes

 

[Winner]

Thanks

Thanks a lot guys for your time! It works for my data!

regards,

Harsh

 

[James Oldham]

For those using Excel 2003 or >, there is a histogram maker inside the "Data Analysis" add-in. A little goofy until you get used to it, but is pretty handy, especially since it lets you specify your own custom bins.

 

[cconway]

Hello
The chart was great, however I am having trouble getting my % line to be elevated, mine is flat. What could I be doing wrong?

 

[Jen Kirley]

Welcome cconway!

Can you attach an example of what you mean? I am having a hard time visualizing it.

 

[cconway]

I finally figured it out. I kinda stumbled into it. You know how the Pareto
Charts have a bar graph and a linear graph. My liner graph ran along the X
axis. But now it looks like it should. I think...LOL Thanks for responding so
quickly.

 

[QE]

Take a look at this you tube video might help

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LhEp22qD-w