How to Retrieve Sorted Data from an Excel ListObject Without Modifying It

Learn how to efficiently extract and sort data from an Excel ListObject into an array without altering the original table structure.
---

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: Excel get sorted data from a ListObject without sorting it

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
Introduction

Working with data in Excel can often feel daunting, especially when dealing with ListObjects (Excel Table objects). You may run into situations where you need to retrieve sorted or filtered data without disrupting the original table structure. One such challenge is extracting sorted data from a ListObject into an array without losing important named ranges. If you've ever faced this issue, you're not alone. In this guide, we will explore a straightforward solution using VBA and built-in worksheet functions.

The Problem

A user recently encountered a common scenario where extracting sorted data from a ListObject was required, but they needed to avoid any changes to the table itself. They had previously used ADO queries but ran into performance issues and dependency on certain settings. Here are the reasons they sought alternatives:

Dependency on Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE): The latest Excel update reset the DDE setting, causing their ADO query to crash.

Performance Issues: After the update, their query execution time increased significantly from 1 second to 3-5 seconds.

Given these challenges, they were left searching for a solution to retrieve sorted data without altering their ListObject.

The Solution

Fortunately, Excel provides a convenient way to work with data using the SORT function, and this can be accessed via VBA. This allows you to extract sorted data efficiently. Here's how you can do it:

Step-by-Step Guide

Using the SORT Function

You can harness the power of the SORT function directly within your VBA code. Here's how to implement it:

Set Up Your VBA Environment:
Make sure you have access to the relevant worksheet and ListObject.

Using the SORT Function in Your Code:
Incorporate the following code snippet in your VBA project. This code sorts the ListObject by the specified column without changing the original ListObject.

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Double Sorting

If you need to sort by multiple columns, Excel 365 allows you to do this easily too. Here’s how you can perform double sorting:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This code sorts the DataBodyRange by the "subsection order" first, and then by the "second column", ensuring that you maintain the desired order without modifying the original data in the table.

Conclusion

Extracting sorted data from an Excel ListObject into an array without modifying the table itself is not only possible but can be done efficiently using the SORT function in VBA. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can enhance your data handling skills and improve performance in Excel without worrying about the original table structure.

So, the next time you need to deal with sorted data from a ListObject, remember this straightforward approach, and you'll save yourself time and effort!