How to Sort List in Descending Order in Python

To sort a list in descending order in Python, use the sorted() function or the list's sort() method with the argument reverse=True. For example, sorted(my_list, reverse=True) returns a new sorted list, while my_list.sort(reverse=True) sorts the list in place.

Syntax

There are two main ways to sort a list in descending order in Python:

• Using sorted() function: Returns a new sorted list without changing the original.
• Using list.sort() method: Sorts the list in place, changing the original list.

Both accept the reverse=True argument to sort in descending order.

python

sorted_list = sorted(my_list, reverse=True)
my_list.sort(reverse=True)

Example

This example shows how to sort a list of numbers in descending order using both sorted() and list.sort().

python

my_list = [5, 2, 9, 1, 7]

# Using sorted() returns a new list
sorted_list = sorted(my_list, reverse=True)
print("Sorted with sorted():", sorted_list)

# Using sort() changes the original list
my_list.sort(reverse=True)
print("Sorted with sort():", my_list)

Output

Sorted with sorted(): [9, 7, 5, 2, 1]
Sorted with sort(): [9, 7, 5, 2, 1]

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when sorting in descending order include:

• Forgetting to use reverse=True, which sorts in ascending order by default.
• Using sorted() but expecting the original list to change (it does not).
• Using list.sort() but expecting a new list returned (it returns None).

python

my_list = [3, 8, 4]

# Wrong: forget reverse=True (sorts ascending)
print(sorted(my_list))  # Output: [3, 4, 8]

# Wrong: expecting sort() to return new list
result = my_list.sort(reverse=True)
print(result)  # Output: None
print(my_list)  # List is sorted in place

Output

[3, 4, 8]
None
[8, 4, 3]

Quick Reference

Method	Description	Modifies Original List	Returns
sorted(my_list, reverse=True)	Returns new list sorted descending	No	New sorted list
my_list.sort(reverse=True)	Sorts original list descending	Yes	None

Key Takeaways

Use reverse=True to sort lists in descending order in Python.

sorted() returns a new sorted list without changing the original.

list.sort() sorts the list in place and returns None.

Forgetting reverse=True sorts the list in ascending order by default.

Choose sorted() when you need a new list, and sort() to modify the original.