Database Sort
Database Sort lets you order entries in a Notion database by one or more properties in ascending or descending order to highlight key information.
Definition
Database Sort is a feature in Notion that lets you arrange items in a database view based on the values of one or more properties. You can set each sort rule to run in ascending (A→Z, oldest→newest) or descending (Z→A, newest→oldest) order, and stack multiple rules to create layered ordering logic. With sorting, you control how records appear across different views—tables, lists, boards, galleries, or calendars—so you can quickly surface the most important or time-sensitive information. More Details about Notion Database sort are found here.
Usage & Context
To use Database Sort, open a database view, click “Sort” in the top-right menu, and add one or more rules by selecting a property and direction. Notion applies these rules in the order you define them, so you can first sort tasks by due date, then by priority level. Each view in your workspace can have its own unique sort configuration. Sorting is especially helpful in large databases or cross-team dashboards where you need to prioritize recent updates, group similar items together, or see top performers at a glance. It works alongside filters and grouping, so you can show only relevant records and order them how you like.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I sort a database in Notion?
- Open your database view, click the “Sort” button in the upper-right, then choose a property and direction (ascending or descending). You can add multiple rules to sort by several properties.
- Can I sort by multiple properties?
- Yes. After adding a first sort rule, click “Add a sort” to set secondary or tertiary sorting criteria. Notion will apply them in the order you list.
- Does sorting affect all users and views?
- Each view has its own sort settings. If you share a view, your custom sort applies to everyone who opens that view, but other views or personal copies remain unaffected.
- Is sorting case-sensitive or locale-aware?
- Sorting is case-insensitive and follows basic alphabetical and chronological order. Special characters or accents may affect the sort order based on Unicode values.
Benefits
Using Database Sort helps you streamline your workflow by automatically ordering records to surface top priorities, simplify comparisons, and reduce manual reorganization, saving time and improving clarity.
Related Terms
Database Filter
Filters let you narrow down database entries based on property conditions. Use filters to display only the records you need in any view.
Database Grouping
Group database entries by property values into collapsible sections for clearer organization and navigation in Notion.
Database
A Database in Notion is a collection of structured pages with customizable properties and flexible views. Organize and track tasks, notes, projects, or any data dynamically.
Aggregation
Feature that calculates summary values—sums, averages, counts, and more—across database entries, giving quick insights at the bottom of any view.
Date
The Date property stores single dates or date ranges for entries in Notion databases. Use it to schedule events, track deadlines, set reminders, and filter by time.
Date Manipulation
Techniques for calculating, adjusting, and formatting date properties in Notion using formulas and built-in functions for dynamic scheduling and reminders.
Filter
Filters in Notion let users narrow down database items by setting conditions. Use single or multiple criteria to customize views and focus on relevant data.
Group
Grouping in Notion segments database items within a view based on a property, creating collapsible sections that improve clarity and streamline data navigation.
Kanban Board
A Kanban Board in Notion is a database view that displays items as cards in customizable columns. Teams can drag and drop tasks across stages to visualize and manage workflows.
Last Edited Time
A database property that logs when a page or record was last modified, helping you track updates and changes automatically.
Linked Database
An embedded view of an existing Notion database that stays synced and lets you customize filters, sorts, and layouts anywhere in your workspace.
Conclusion
Database Sort is an essential Notion feature that brings structure to your tables, boards, and calendars. By defining clear sorting rules, you ensure that everyone sees the most relevant items first, boosting productivity and decision-making.
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