Sort data in a table

Enable column sorting in tables using sort headers, allowing workers to organize data by clicking column headers to toggle ascending/descending order.

When to use

Use this pattern when:

• Workers need to organize tabular data by different columns
• Data sets are large enough that sorting improves usability
• Multiple columns could reasonably be used as sort criteria

Considerations

• Indicate the current sort direction with visual cues
• Set a sensible default sort order when the table loads
• Consider which columns should be sortable based on data type
• Numeric columns typically sort numerically, text columns alphabetically
• Maintain sort state when data updates if appropriate