How to sort (order) data frame rows by multiple columns in R?

Sorting data frame rows by multiple columns in R is vital for clean, well-structured data analysis. Whether you need to highlight patterns or prep your data for advanced modeling, multi-column sorting provides the clarity and insights you need.

Base R Approach

The simplest approach is to use the order() function. For example, df[order(df$col1, df$col2), ] sorts ascending by col1 and then col2. If you want descending order on a particular column, pass a logical vector to decreasing, such as df[order(df$col1, df$col2, decreasing = c(FALSE, TRUE)), ].

Using dplyr

With the dplyr package, sorting feels more intuitive. After loading library(dplyr), you can use df %>% arrange(col1, desc(col2)) to sort ascending by col1 and descending by col2. This syntax helps keep your data manipulation pipeline clean and readable.

Practical Tips

Sorting by multiple columns quickly exposes trends, outliers, and patterns. Ensure consistency in your ascending/descending logic to maintain a predictable order that aligns with your analysis goals.

Next Steps for Coding and System Design

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Extra Support

Hands-on practice is key. For deeper insights or personalized feedback, book a Coding Mock Interview with ex-FAANG engineers. You can also watch concise tutorials and tips on the DesignGurus.io YouTube channel.