How to sort an associative array by value in PHP

Topic: PHP / MySQLPrev|Next

Answer: Use the PHP asort() and arsort() function

The PHP asort() and arsort() functions can be used for sorting an array by value. The following section will show you how these functions basically work.

Sorting Associative Arrays in Ascending Order

You can use the asort() function for sorting an associative array by value alphabetically in the ascending order, while maintaining the relationship between key and data.

<?php
$fruits = array("b"=>"banana", "a"=>"apple", "d"=>"dog", "c"=>"cat");
 
// Sorting the array by value
asort($fruits);
print_r($fruits);
?>

Sorting Associative Arrays in Descending Order

You can use the arsort() function for ssorting an associative array by value alphabetically in the descending order, while maintaining the relationship between key and data.

<?php
$fruits = array("b"=>"banana", "a"=>"apple", "d"=>"dog", "c"=>"cat");
 
// Sorting the array by value
arsort($fruits);
print_r($fruits);
?>

Related FAQ

Here are some more FAQ related to this topic:

• How to sort an associative array by key in PHP
• How to get all the keys of an associative array in PHP
• How to get all the values from an associative array in PHP