sorting HELP!!

Column A has parent part numbers. Column B has varying quantities of component parts of the parent. How can I sort based on the numerical value of the parent part while still keeping the indented components list attached? Thanks for any help!

i.e.

40-1000-00
............... ..10-1000-00
..................20-1000-00
..................30-1000-00
41-1000-00
..................10-1000-00
..................20-1000-00
..................30-1000-00
..................32-1000-00
39-1000-00
..................10-1000-00
..................20-1000-00

Assuming your data begins in row 2, then in C2 add a helper column with formula:

=IF(A2<>"",A2,C1)

copied down.

Then Copy this column and Paste Special >> Values over itself.

Then perform a Sort with sort level set as by Column 3 first, then by Column 1 second, and by column 2 last.

You can then delete the helper column.

Thanks NBVC! I had 15,000+ lines of part numbers and components that just became one less headache. If you're ever in L.A. I owe you a beverage of choice!

You're welcome