Sort list by multiple keys with tuple ordering in Python

Sort a list of dictionaries by multiple criteria — surname, age, then score descending — using a tuple key and negation.

Easy Python 3.9+ Aug 9, 2026 Algorithms & data structures 12 views 0 copies

sorting tuples lambda key-function

Python code

24 lines

Python 3.9+

def sort_multi_key(data):
    # Sorts by surname, then age, then score descending
    return sorted(
        data,
        key=lambda person: (
            person['surname'].lower(),
            person['age'],
            -person['score']  # negative to reverse sort by score
        )
    )


if __name__ == "__main__":
    people = [
        {'surname': 'Smith', 'age': 30, 'score': 88},
        {'surname': 'Smith', 'age': 30, 'score': 95},
        {'surname': 'Smith', 'age': 25, 'score': 78},
        {'surname': 'Jane', 'age': 30, 'score': 91},
        {'surname': 'Doe', 'age': 25, 'score': 85},
    ]

    sorted_people = sort_multi_key(people)
    for p in sorted_people:
        print(f"{p['surname']}, {p['age']}, {p['score']}")

Output

stdout

Doe, 25, 85
Jane, 30, 91
Smith, 25, 78
Smith, 30, 88
Smith, 30, 95

How it works

sorted() evaluates the key function once per item and sorts by the natural comparison of the returned tuple. Tuples compare element-by-element: Python moves to the next element only when the current ones are equal. Lowercasing the surname normalizes case-sensitive ordering. Negating the score inverts the order for that field, giving descending sort while the others stay ascending. This pattern keeps all sorting logic in one readable lambda, avoiding multiple passes.

Common mistakes

Forgetting to lowercase strings, causing case-sensitive order
Negating numeric fields you want ascending, inverting the order
Assuming `sorted` mutates the original list — it returns a new list
Using `reverse=True` to sort score descending, which also reverses every other field

Variations

Use `operator.itemgetter` for a faster key when you don't need case normalization or negation
Chain multiple sorts: sort by score descending first, then by age and surname for stability

Real-world use cases

Ranking products by category, stock, and price priority in an e‑commerce dashboard
Sorting employee directories by department, tenure, and salary for reporting
Ordering tournament standings by points, goal difference, and goals scored

Sort list by multiple keys with tuple ordering in Python

Python code

Output

How it works

Common mistakes

Variations

Real-world use cases

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Python code

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Real-world use cases

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