How to Flip Data Vertically in Google Sheets

Flipping your data vertically in Google Sheets - that is, reversing the order of the rows - is a common task that doesn't have an obvious "Flip" button. Whether you're trying to see the oldest entries in a running log first or just reorganizing a dataset for a report, you need a reliable method. This tutorial will walk you through several ways to reverse your row order, from a simple manual technique to powerful dynamic formulas and even full automation.

Method 1: The Helper Column & Sort Technique

This is the most straightforward method and perfect for a quick, one-time data flip. It doesn’t require any complex formulas, just a temporary "helper" column that you'll use to guide the sort in Google Sheets. We’ll essentially assign a number to each row and then sort those numbers from highest to lowest.

When to Use This Method

When you need a quick, permanent reversal of your data.
If you aren't comfortable working with spreadsheet formulas.
When your data is static and won't be changing or updating.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Add a Helper Column: First, insert a new, temporary column to the left of your data. To do this, right-click on the column letter (e.g., "A") and select "Insert 1 column left." This new column will serve as our sorting guide.
Number the Rows: In the first row of your new helper column (let's say it's cell A1), type the number 1. In the cell right below it (A2), type 2. Now, select both cells (A1 and A2). You'll see a small blue square in the bottom-right corner of your selection. This is the fill handle. Click and drag the fill handle down to the last row of your data. Google Sheets will automatically continue the sequence, numbering all of your rows consecutively.
Select Your Data: Click and drag to select all the data you want to flip, including your new numbered helper column.
Sort the Data Range: With your data selected, navigate to the menu and click Data > Sort range > Advanced range sorting options. This will open up a dialog box.
Configure the Sort: In the sort dialog, make sure the box for "Data has header row" is checked only if your data actually has a header. Then, in the "Sort by" dropdown, choose your helper column (e.g., "Column A"). Finally, select the option for Z → A sorting, which means descending order. Click the "Sort" button.
Clean Up: Your data is now perfectly flipped! The row that was last is now first and vice versa. You can now delete the helper column by right-clicking its column letter and choosing "Delete column."

This dead-simple approach gets the job done reliably, though it permanently alters your original data order and needs to be repeated if you add new rows.

Method 2: The Easiest Formula-Driven Approach With QUERY

While there are many complex formulas available, the QUERY formula offers a simple solution for flipping your data. Here's an example:

This formula will ensure new submissions are always ordered in descending fashion, so they’re reverse chronological based on the date and time they were entered into your spreadsheet. It also maintains a copy of your old data sheet, adding an extra layer of data integrity and safety to your work, which is beneficial, especially for teams.

Method 3: Flexible Flipping with SORT & SEQUENCE

If you need a more dynamic solution, you can use a formula to create a separate, "live" copy of your flipped data. This is ideal for dashboards or reports because the flipped version will update automatically whenever the original dataset changes. The cleanest way to do this uses a combination of the SORT, SEQUENCE, and ROWS functions.

When to Use This Method

When your source data is updated frequently, and you need the flipped data to reflect those changes instantly.
When you must preserve the original order of your source data.
When you are building a dashboard and need a reversed view of a feed (e.g., showing the most recent transactions at the top).

How the Magic Happens with Formulas

This approach combines three key functions:

**ROWS(range)**: Counts the total number of rows in a given data range.
**SEQUENCE(number)**: Generates a sequential list of numbers. For example, SEQUENCE(5) would produce a column containing 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
**SORT(range, sort_column, is_ascending)**: Sorts a given range of data. We'll use our SEQUENCE-generated list of numbers as the column to sort by.

We create a virtual helper column using SEQUENCE and then tell the SORT function to arrange our data in descending order based on that virtual column.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Choose a Destination: Click on an empty cell in your sheet where you want the flipped data to begin. This formula will output a new table, so make sure there's enough empty space below and to the right of it.
Enter the Formula: Let's assume your data is in the range A2:C21 (leaving row 1 for a header). You would use the following formula:

Adjust and Press Enter: Modify the A2:C21 range to match your actual data range. When you press Enter, Google Sheets will instantly generate the mirror image of your data, sorted in reverse order.

Breaking Down the Formula

**A2:C21**: This is the source data you want to flip.
**SEQUENCE(ROWS(A2:C21))**: ROWS(A2:C21) calculates that you have 20 rows. SEQUENCE(20) then creates an invisible column of numbers from 1 to 20. This acts as our temporary sort column without us having to create it manually.
**FALSE**: This tells the SORT function to sort in descending order, which reverses the order.

Pro Tip: Handling Expanding Data

What if you keep adding new rows to your original dataset? You can make your formula automatically include them by using an "open-ended" range reference. To do this, simply drop the row number from the end of the range, like so:

However, this may pull in thousands of blank rows. To avoid this and keep things tidy, you can wrap your data in a FILTER function that only includes rows that are not empty:

This is a more efficient version for anyone who wants to ensure clean outputs every time.

Method 4: The Ultimate Automation With Google Suite Apps Scripts

In truth, there are very few scenarios where an App script is necessary. These scripts can easily break over time due to updates and often provide a more complicated means to achieve an outcome that is already well-covered by the previous methods. We advise sticking with the above solutions as they offer reliability without introducing the risk of script failure.

Which Flipping Technique is Right for You? Quick Comparison

QUERY

Best for: Almost anyone, including sophisticated analysts or managers, because it's simple yet powerful.
Pros: It's versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks beyond flipping rows.
Cons: May seem intimidating to absolute beginners.

Using Formulas: The Sort/Sequence Formulas

Best for: Dashboards using live data that updates regularly.
Pros: Dynamic and maintains original data order without any manual intervention.
Cons: Requires a basic understanding of spreadsheet functions.

The Manual Helper Column Method

Best for: Quick, one-time data flipping without using formulas.
Pros: Easy for beginners and doesn’t require any knowledge of formulas.
Cons: Manual and labor-intensive, requiring repeated action for updates.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right way to flip data in Google Sheets depends entirely on your needs. Whether you prefer a quick sort with a helper column, a flexible dynamic solution that updates automatically, or a custom solution with Google App Scripts, there’s a method that fits your requirements.

We often see people spending countless hours on complex reports due to manual tasks. At Graphed, we automate spreadsheet tasks, letting our AI handle the heavy lifting, so you can focus on analysis instead of manual formatting. Graphed can integrate seamlessly with various formats, providing an efficient way to manage your data.