Auto-sort a Google Sheet alphabetically, every time you add a name

Data > Sort range > A to Z puts a list in order once. The next name you type lands at the bottom again. To keep a list of names, products or clients in alphabetical order on its own, you need a short script or an add-on. This page has a free script, the rules Google Sheets uses for A to Z (case, blanks, numbers), and how to sort by last name. Checked against Google's documentation on 1 November 2026.

1. The free script: A to Z on every edit

1. Open the sheet, choose Extensions > Apps Script, and replace Code.gs with the script below.
2. Set the tab name, the column to sort by (A = 1, B = 2...) and the number of header rows.
3. Click Save. From now on every edit on that tab puts the rows back in A to Z order. Whole rows move together, so a name keeps its email and phone number.

// Keeps a tab in alphabetical order (A to Z) whenever someone edits it.
const SHEET_NAME = 'Sheet1';
const SORT_COLUMN = 1;      // column with the names: A = 1, B = 2 ...
const HEADER_ROWS = 1;      // rows at the top that never move
const FIRST_COLUMN = 1;     // first column that moves with the names
const LAST_COLUMN = 0;      // last column that moves; 0 = last column with data

function onEdit(e) {
  const sheet = e.range.getSheet();
  if (sheet.getName() !== SHEET_NAME) return;
  // Sort only when the name column was edited, so rows don't jump while you type.
  if (e.range.getColumn() > SORT_COLUMN || e.range.getLastColumn() < SORT_COLUMN) return;
  sortAlphabetically_(sheet);
}

function sortAlphabetically_(sheet) {
  const rows = sheet.getLastRow() - HEADER_ROWS;
  if (rows < 2) return;
  const last = LAST_COLUMN || sheet.getLastColumn();
  sheet.getRange(HEADER_ROWS + 1, FIRST_COLUMN, rows, last - FIRST_COLUMN + 1)
       .sort({column: SORT_COLUMN, ascending: true});   // false = Z to A
}

Type the other cells of a new row first and the name last: the row moves into place when the name is entered. To sort a single list and leave the columns next to it alone, set FIRST_COLUMN and LAST_COLUMN to the list's own column. Need other options (several columns, Forms, a timer)? The auto sort script generator writes a script for your exact range.

2. How Google Sheets orders A to Z

The script and the KeepSorted add-on follow these same rules, because both use Google's own sort.

3. Sort by last name

If column A holds full names ("Ada Lovelace"), add a helper column with the last word, for example in G2: =IFERROR(REGEXEXTRACT(TRIM(A2), "[^ ]+$"), ""), fill it down, and sort by the helper first and the full name second. In the script, replace the .sort(...) line with:

       .sort([{column: 7, ascending: true}, {column: 1, ascending: true}]);  // G (last name), then A

The helper formula has to be in every row, so copy it down far enough (or into each new row). Rows with an empty helper go last. Two-word surnames ("van Gogh") need a manual entry in the helper.

4. Without a script

5. No code: KeepSorted

KeepSorted is a Google Sheets add-on: select the list or table, pick the column, choose A to Z, Save. It keeps the real rows in that order, header on top, blanks last, case ignored, formatting and formulas moving with their rows. Free: one area per tab, up to 2 sort columns (last name, then first name), no trial clock. Pro ($5/month or $39/year): up to 5 sort columns, custom orders, stacked tables sorted separately, and sorting after form responses and other editors' changes.

More KeepSorted guides

• Auto sort script generator
• Auto-sort when a new row is added
• Auto-sort by date, newest first (and Google Forms)
• Auto-sort by multiple columns when data changes
• StaySorted alternative: an honest comparison

Sources

• Sort and filter your data (Google Docs Editors Help) · SORT function · REGEXEXTRACT · REGEXREPLACE
• Range.sort reference · simple triggers (onEdit)