How to perform ranking based on several conditions?

Question

Student Total   Result  GPC
A   398 PASS    1.2
B   341 PASS    1.6
C   396 PASS    1.8
D   402 FAIL    1.6

Let's say I have a table as above and I would like to perform sorting/ranking based on the following conditions:

1. Sort by "Result" descending
2. Then sort by "GPC" ascending
3. Finally sort by "Total" descending

Hence the end result would be like this:

Student Ranking
A   1
B   2
C   3
D   4

How can I do the sorting above in excel? I had tried to use RANK in the formula but it can only cater to one condition.

Answer 1

You can add a number of intermediate columns to calculate a rank order number based on your sort rules

Results

Formulas

Method Column G: convert PASS/FAIL to a number (other functions require numeric data)
Column H..J: sort the data, a column for each of Total, Result, GPC
Column L..N: Rank the individual results Column O: Combine individual rankings into single value for final ranking

EDIT

Here's as smaller version of the same method

Answer 2

You've pretty much answered your own, very simple, question. Using Excel's Sort dialog (Data>Sort) do the following:

1. Sort by "Result" descending
2. Then sort by "GPC" ascending
3. Finally sort by "Total" descending

You now have a sorted list. Enter the numbers 1 through whatever starting in row 2 in the column of your choice and your list will be ranked. Based on your question I can't see it being more complicated than that.

Answer 3

I have found the solution from the hint above.

Here what I have done:

1- Insert new column next to the "TOTAL" column.
2- Use IF command for fail students i.e IF("rank"="F",0,value of "Total")
3- Now sort your sheet with adding levels according to your need.
4- Carry on with RANK or IF formula, which ever suits your requirement.