Sort Row Headers AND Column Headers in Matrix Visualization

Hi charlesawalsh - In Power BI, handling multiple sets of ordinal categories in a matrix visual can indeed feel restrictive compared to Excel's more intuitive drag-and-drop functionality

If sorting issues persist, here are some alternative approaches:Switch to a Table Visual: If the Power BI Matrix Visual is too restrictive, consider using the Table Visual. You can manually create measures or columns that simulate a matrix format.Custom Visuals: Some custom visuals from Power BI’s AppSource (like Advanced Matrix visuals) may offer more flexibility in ordering and sorting categories.Power BI doesn't have Excel's full pivot-table functionality yet, but with the use of sorting columns and proper configuration, you can replicate most of the desired behavior.

Set Sort by Column for Each Category: Power BI allows you to use the "Sort by Column" feature to force the categories into the correct order:For Rows: Select your row category field (e.g., "Length Category") and click on Column Tools → Sort by Column. Select the corresponding conditional column you created for ordering rows (e.g., "Length Sort").For Columns: Similarly, select your column category field (e.g., "Width Category") and sort it by the corresponding sorting column (e.g., "Width Sort").Ensure Matrix Visual Uses These Sort Orders:Add the Length Category to the Rows field in the matrix visual.Add the Width Category to the Columns field in the matrix visual.The sorting should now respect the custom ordering set in your sorting columns.

Hope the above process and approach helps.

That worked! You are the man.