Matrix Visual - columns not showing option to sort

[Rnaval]

Hi All - I have a Matrix Visual where the columns are not showing the option to sort in descending or ascending order, any ideas? The sort option does show fine on my other matrix visual.

Thanks...Rohit

[speedramps]

You are confussing  columns with values

In a Matric you can sort the by the Row axis

or you can sort the by the Column axis
or you can sort the by the Column Total

but you can't sort by individual value columns.

In  a Table visual you can sort by all columns

[Rnaval]

In my case, I'm using a measure in the columns and that cannot be sorted as advised below.

[burakkaragoz · Accepted solution]

Hi @Rnaval ,

This is a common question with Matrix visuals in Power BI—sometimes the sort option isn’t available for certain columns, even though it works in other visuals. Here are a few things to check that often resolve this issue:

1. Field Used in the Matrix Columns:
Make sure the field you’re trying to sort is actually in the “Columns” section of the Matrix visual, not just in the “Values” or “Rows” section.

2. Aggregated Fields:
If the column is an aggregated value (for example, you’re showing a measure or a summarized field), the sort option might not show for those columns. Try adding a non-aggregated field or change the aggregation to see if the option appears.

3. Multiple Fields in Columns:
If you have more than one field in the “Columns” well, Power BI sometimes disables the sort option. Try simplifying your matrix by using just one field in the columns.

4. Hierarchies:
If your columns use a hierarchy (e.g., Year > Quarter > Month), the sort options can behave differently. Make sure you’re selecting the right level to sort.

5. Filters or Slicers:
Sometimes applied filters or slicers can affect whether the sort option is available, especially if they filter out all but a single value.

6. Visual or Power BI Bugs:
If everything else looks fine, try refreshing the report or recreating the Matrix visual from scratch—occasionally, visuals can get “stuck.”