Using a query to fill a 5x5 grid in Google Sheets, I tried =QUERY(D10:L10) and =QUERY(D10:L11, “order by 11”) to sort by row. How can I accomplish row-based sorting?
I have worked with similar challenges and found that the Google Sheets query function is inherently designed for column operations rather than row operations. In my experience the most effective workaround is to transpose the data so that the rows become columns, apply the query to sort the now transposed columns, and then transpose back to restore the original layout. This approach typically involves nesting the QUERY function between two TRANSPOSE functions. It is worth noting that you might need to adjust cell references slightly depending on your grid. Hope this insight proves useful.
Based on my experience, native row-based sorting in Google Sheets requires a bit of maneuvering. Since the QUERY function is designed to work on columns, a common technique is to rearrange the data orientation programmatically. One approach I employed involved writing a short Google Apps Script that transposes the range, sorts it using standard array functions, and then transposes it back. This method allowed for more flexibility when dealing with data that needs custom sorting criteria. Although it adds an extra step in setup, it has proven reliable when managing dynamically updated row data.