---
title: How to Sort Months Correctly in Power BI?
description: "Sorting months and time periods correctly is one of the most common challenges in [Power BI](https://globaldata365.com/power-bi/). By default, Power BI sorts text fields alphabetically, which often results in incorrect month or period order in visuals.   This guide walks through…"
url: "https://globaldata365.com/helpcenter/how-to-sort-months-correctly-in-power-bi/"
updated: "2026-08-19"
category: Power BI
---

# How to Sort Months Correctly in Power BI?

Sorting months and time periods correctly is one of the most common challenges in [Power BI](https://globaldata365.com/power-bi/). By default, Power BI sorts text fields alphabetically, which often results in incorrect month or period order in visuals.   This guide walks through **step-by-step solutions using a Date table**, covering:

- Month sorting
- Month-Year sorting
- Custom week-year sorting

## Custom Sort in Power BI:

 Each example follows the same flow:

1. Identify the sorting issue
2. Fix it using the Date table
3. Confirm the correct order in visuals

  

1. #### **The Problem: Months Sorting Incorrectly**

 When month names are used directly in visuals, Power BI sorts them alphabetically instead of chronologically.   For example, months may appear as:

![sort months in power bi](https://globaldata365.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1-300x267.webp)
A table visual showing Month / Sales columns with months appearing in alphabetical order.

    

1. #### **Important Note: Power BI’s Automatic Date Hierarchy**

 Power BI automatically detects date columns and creates a built-in date hierarchy (Year → Quarter → Month → Day). When this automatic hierarchy is used, Power BI internally sorts dates correctly. However, using this auto-generated date hierarchy is not recommended because:

- You cannot define custom week logic
- You cannot control sorting logic
- It breaks data model clarity
- It limits advanced time intelligence
- It creates multiple hidden date tables behind the scenes

##### **Best Practice**

 Always use a **dedicated Date table** instead of relying on Power BI’s automatic date hierarchy.  

1. #### **Creating and Using a Date Table**

 To control time-based sorting, a dedicated Date table is essential. The Date table allows you to store numeric values (such as month number or year) that can be used for proper sorting.

![power bi sort date table](https://globaldata365.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2-300x107.webp)
Model view showing the relationship between the Sales table and the Date table.

  

1. #### **Sorting Month Names Using Month Number**

 Month names should always be sorted using a numeric month column from the Date table.   The approach is:

- Month Name remains a text column
- Month Number is used as the sorting column
- Power BI’s **Sort by Column** feature is applied

  

![custom sort in power bi](https://globaldata365.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3-300x246.webp)
Date table columns showing Month Name and Month Number.

   ![custom sorting](https://globaldata365.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/4-300x177.webp)   Here, the **Month Name** column is selected in the Fields pane. In the Column tools ribbon, the **Sort by Column** option becomes available. This feature allows Power BI to sort a text column using another column from the same table.   ![month no in power bi](https://globaldata365.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/5.webp)   In this step, the Month Name column is explicitly sorted by the **Month Number** column. Once applied, Power BI permanently associates Month Name with its numeric month order.  

1. #### **Verifying the Sorted Month Visual**

 After applying the correct sorting, visuals will now display months in proper chronological order.  

![after sorted table in power bi](https://globaldata365.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/6.webp)
Table visual showing Month and Sales correctly ordered from January to December.

1. #### **Sorting Month-Year Correctly**

 Month-Year fields also sort alphabetically if treated as text. Example: ![month table in power bi](https://globaldata365.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/7-300x280.webp) To fix this:

- Use a numeric Month -Year column in the Date table
- Sort the Month-Year text column by this numeric value

![date table in power bi](https://globaldata365.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/8-300x193.webp)
Date table showing Month-Year and corresponding numeric Year-Month column.

![custom sorting in power bi](https://globaldata365.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/9-291x300.webp)
Table visual showing Month-Year sorted correctly across multiple years.

1. #### **Sorting Custom Week-Year Values**

 Week-Year fields (such as W01-2024) can also sort incorrectly when treated as text.   To resolve this:

- Use a numeric Week-Year or sequential week index
- Apply **Sort by Column** using that numeric field

 This ensures weeks appear in correct chronological order across years.

![custom sort in power bi](https://globaldata365.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/10-300x142.webp)
Date table showing Week-Year and corresponding numeric sort column.

  

![custom sorting in power bi](https://globaldata365.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/11-300x300.webp)
Table visual showing weeks ordered correctly across years.

 **Ready to transform your data into stunning dashboards and reports?** [👉 Join our Power BI Training](https://globaldata365.com/power-bi-training/) and gain hands-on skills to turn insights into action.  

#### **Final Notes**

 Correct sorting in Power BI is not achieved through formatting alone. It requires a structured Date table, numeric sort columns, and proper use of Sort by Column. This approach ensures consistent, accurate, and scalable time-based reporting across all visuals.

###### Still have Questions?

Ask us anything about this article – we’ll get backto you shortly.