Excel automatically recognizes and sorts data based on its data type by default. Here's a quick breakdown:

* Text: Sorts alphabetically (A to Z), case-sensitive by default (uppercase before lowercase).
* Numbers: Sorts numerically (smallest to largest).
* Dates: Sorts chronologically (oldest to newest).

To Sort by Specific Type:

1. Select the data range you want to sort.
2. Go to the "Data" tab on the Excel ribbon.
3. In the "Sort & Filter" group, click the dropdown arrow under "Sort."

You'll see options based on your data types:

* Sort A to Z or Z to A: Sorts text alphabetically (ascending or descending).
* Sort Smallest to Largest or Largest to Smallest: Sorts numbers (ascending or descending).
* Sort Oldest to Newest or Newest to Oldest: Sorts dates (ascending or descending).

Choose the appropriate option for your data type.

Additional Tips:

* You can also use the sort buttons (ascending and descending) on the header row of your data table (if you have headers).
* To sort by multiple columns, hold down the "Ctrl" key while selecting multiple column headers before sorting.