Author: Christian Bach
Version: 2.1+ (forked on github from version 2.0.5, changelog)
Licence: Dual licensed under MIT or GPL licenses.

Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Demo
  3. Getting started
  4. Examples
  5. Configuration
  6. Widget & Pager Options (v2.1)
  7. Methods
  8. Events
  9. Download
  10. Compatibility
  11. Support
  12. Credits

Introduction

tablesorter is a jQuery plugin for turning a standard HTML table with THEAD and TBODY tags into a sortable table without page refreshes. tablesorter can successfully parse and sort many types of data including linked data in a cell. It has many useful features including:

Demo

Account # First Name Last Name Age Total Discount Difference Date
A42b Peter Parker 28 $9.99 20.9% +12.1 Jul 6, 2006 8:14 AM
A255 John Hood 33 $19.99 25% +12 Dec 10, 2002 5:14 AM
A33 Clark Kent 18 $15.89 44% -26 Jan 12, 2003 11:14 AM
A1 Bruce Almighty 45 $153.19 44.7% +77 Jan 18, 2001 9:12 AM
A102 Bruce Evans 22 $13.19 11% -100.9 Jan 18, 2007 9:12 AM
A42a Bruce Evans 22 $13.19 11% 0 Jan 18, 2007 9:12 AM

TIP! Sort multiple columns simultaneously by holding down the shift key and clicking a second, third or even fourth column header!

Getting started

To use the tablesorter plugin, include the jQuery library and the tablesorter plugin inside the <head> tag of your HTML document:

<!-- choose a theme file -->
<link rel="stylesheet" href="/path/to/theme.default.css">
<!-- load jQuery and tablesorter scripts -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="/path/to/jquery-latest.js"></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="/path/to/jquery.tablesorter.js"></script>

<!-- tablesorter widgets (optional) -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="/path/to/jquery.tablesorter.widgets.js"></script>

tablesorter works on standard HTML tables. You must include THEAD and TBODY tags:

<table id="myTable" class="tablesorter">
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Last Name</th>
      <th>First Name</th>
      <th>Email</th>
      <th>Due</th>
      <th>Web Site</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Smith</td>
      <td>John</td>
      <td>[email protected]</td>
      <td>$50.00</td>
      <td>http://www.jsmith.com</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Bach</td>
      <td>Frank</td>
      <td>[email protected]</td>
      <td>$50.00</td>
      <td>http://www.frank.com</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Doe</td>
      <td>Jason</td>
      <td>[email protected]</td>
      <td>$100.00</td>
      <td>http://www.jdoe.com</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Conway</td>
      <td>Tim</td>
      <td>[email protected]</td>
      <td>$50.00</td>
      <td>http://www.timconway.com</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

Start by telling tablesorter to sort your table when the document is loaded:

$(function(){
  $("#myTable").tablesorter();
});

Click on the headers and you'll see that your table is now sortable! You can also pass in configuration options when you initialize the table. This tells tablesorter to sort on the first and second column in ascending order.

$(function(){
  $("#myTable").tablesorter({ sortList: [[0,0], [1,0]] });
});

NOTE! tablesorter will auto-detect most data types including numbers, dates, ip-adresses for more information see Examples

Examples

These examples will show what's possible with tablesorter. You need Javascript enabled to run these samples, just like you and your users will need Javascript enabled to use tablesorter.

Basic

Sorting

Using Parsers / Extracting Content

Plugins / Custom Widgets / Custom Parsers

Advanced

Parsers / Extracting Content

Widgets / Plugins

Adding / Removing Content

Change Header Style


Other

Options & Events

Playgrounds & Other demos

Metadata - setting inline options


Configuration

tablesorter has many options you can pass in at initialization to achieve different effects
TIP! Click on the link in the property column to reveal full details (or toggle|show|hide all) or double click to update the browser location.
Property Type Default Description Link
Property Type Default Description Link
cancelSelection Boolean true Indicates if tablesorter should disable selection of text in the table header (TH). Makes header behave more like a button.
cssAsc String "" Additional CSS class applied to style the header with a ascending sort - v2.11.

Changed to empty string in v2.11, as the "tablesorter-headerAsc" class will always be added to a header cell with an ascending sort; this option now contains any additional class names to add. Previous default value changed v2.5.

Example from the blue theme:

.tablesorter-blue .tablesorter-headerAsc {
  background-color: #9fbfdf;
  background-image: url(black-asc.gif);
}
cssChildRow String "tablesorter-childRow" Add this css class to a child row that should always be attached to its parent. Click on the "cssChildRow" link to toggle the view on the attached child row. Previous default was "expand-child" (Changed in v2.4). Ex:1 2
This is an entirely new row, but attached to the row above while sorting
cssChildRow Example HTML:
<table width="100%" border="1">
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Item #</th>
      <th>Name</th>
      <th>Available</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>12345</td>
      <td>Toy Car</td>
      <td>5</td>
    </tr>
    <tr class="tablesorter-childRow"> <!-- this row will remain attached to the above row, and not sort separately -->
      <td colspan="3">
        It's a toy car!
      </td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>23456</td>
      <td>Toy Plane</td>
      <td>2</td>
    </tr>
    <tr class="tablesorter-childRow"> <!-- this row will remain attached to the above row, and not sort separately -->
      <td colspan="3">
        It's a toy plane!
      </td>
    </tr>
    <tr class="tablesorter-childRow"> <!-- this row will remain attached to the above two rows, and not sort separately -->
      <td colspan="3">
        and it flies!
      </td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>
					
cssDesc String "" Additional CSS class applied to style the header with a descending sort - v2.11.

Changed to empty string in v2.11, as the "tablesorter-headerDesc" class will always be added to a header cell with a descending sort; this option now contains any additional class names to add. Previous default value changed v2.5.

Example from the blue theme:

.tablesorter-blue .tablesorter-headerDesc {
  background-color: #8cb3d9;
  background-image: url(black-desc.gif);
}
cssHeader String "" Additional CSS class applied to style the headers - v2.11

Changed to empty string in v2.11, as the "tablesorter-header" class will always be added to the table headers; this option now contains any additional class names to add.

Example from the blue theme:

.tablesorter-blue .tablesorter-header {
  background-color: #99bfe6;
  background-repeat: no-repeat;
  background-position: center right;
  padding: 4px 20px 4px 4px;
  white-space: normal;
  cursor: pointer;
}
cssHeaderRow String "" Additional CSS class applied to style the header row - v2.11

Changed to empty string in v2.11, as the "tablesorter-headerRow" class will always be added to a table header row; this option now contains any additional class names to add.

This CSS style was added in v2.4, prior to that the row would get the same class as the header cells. This class was added to make it easier to determine what element was being targetted in the plugin.

cssIcon String "tablesorter-icon" The CSS style used to style the header cell icon (modified v2.7).

As of v2.4, an <i> element, with this class name, is automatically appended to the header cells. To prevent the plugin from adding an <i> element to the headers, set the cssIcon option to an empty string.

In v2.7, the icon will only be added to the header if both the cssIcon option is set AND the headerTemplate option includes the icon tag ({icon}).
cssProcessing String "" Additional CSS class applied to style the header cell while it is being sorted or filtered - v2.11

Changed to empty string in v2.11, as the "tablesorter-processing" class will always be added to a table cells during processing; this option now contains any additional class names to add.

This class name is added to the header cell that is currently being sorted or filted. To prevent this class name from being added, set the showProcessing option to false (v2.4).

cssInfoBlock String "tablesorter-infoOnly" All tbodies with this class name will not have its contents sorted. (v2.2).

With the addition of multiple tbody sorting in v2.2, you can now insert a non-sorting tbody within the table by adding this class to the tbody.
<tbody class="tablesorter-infoOnly">
  <tr>
    <th>The contents of this tbody</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>will not be sorted</td>
  </tr>
</tbody>
As an example, I've split up this options table into three (3) tbodies. The first contains the active options, the second is the info block with a row that only contains the text "Deprecated Options", and the last tbody contains the deprecated options. Sort the table to see how each tbody sorts separately.

NOTE! The pager plugin will only be applied to the first tbody, as always. I may work on modifying this behavior in the future, if I can figure out the best implementation.

data Object, Array undefined Storage for processed table build widget data (array, object, string) (v2.11). Example
dateFormat String "mmddyyyy" Set the date format. Here are the available options. (Modified v2.0.23).
  • "mmddyyyy" (default)
  • "ddmmyyyy"
  • "yyyymmdd"
In previous versions, this option was set as "us", "uk" or "dd/mm/yy". This option was modified to better fit needed date formats. It will only work with four digit years!

The sorter should be set to "shortDate" and the date format can be set in the "dateFormat" option or set for a specific columns within the "headers" option. See the demo page to see it working.
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({

    dateFormat : "mmddyyyy", // default date format

    // or to change the format for specific columns,
    // add the dateFormat to the headers option:
    headers: {
      0: { sorter: "shortDate" }, // "shortDate" with the default dateFormat above
      1: { sorter: "shortDate", dateFormat: "ddmmyyyy" }, // day first format
      2: { sorter: "shortDate", dateFormat: "yyyymmdd" }  // year first format
    }

  });
});
Individual columns can be modified by adding the following (they all do the same thing), set in order of priority (Modified v2.3.1):
  • jQuery data data-dateFormat="mmddyyyy".
  • metadata class="{ dateFormat: 'mmddyyyy'}". This requires the metadata plugin.
  • headers option headers : { 0 : { dateFormat : 'mmddyyyy' } }.
  • header class name class="dateFormat-mmddyyyy".
  • Overall dateFormat option.
Example
debug Boolean false Boolean flag indicating if tablesorter should display debuging information useful for development. Example
delayInit Boolean false Setting this option to true will delay parsing of all table cell data until the user initializes a sort. This speeds up the initialization process of very large tables, but the data still needs to be parsed, so the delay is still present upon initial sort. Example
emptyTo String "bottom" Boolean flag indicating how tablesorter should deal with empty table cells. (Modified v2.1.16).
  • bottom - sort empty table cells to the bottom.
  • top - sort empty table cells to the top.
  • none or zero - sort empty table cells as if the cell has the value equal to zero.
Individual columns can be modified by adding the following (they all do the same thing), set in order of priority:
  • jQuery data data-empty="top".
  • metadata class="{ empty: 'top'}". This requires the metadata plugin.
  • headers option headers : { 0 : { empty : 'top' } }.
  • header class name class="empty-top".
  • Overall emptyTo option.
emptyToBottom option was added in v2.1.11, then replaced by the emptyTo option in v2.1.16.
Example
fixedUrl String Undefined This option was added to set a specific page when storing data using the $.tablesorter.storage code. v2.12.

More specifically, when the storage function is used, it attempts to give every table a unique identifier using both the page url and table ID (or index on the page if no id exists). This option allows you to override the current page url (it doesn't need to be a url, just some constant value) and save data for multiple tables across a domain.

The table url & id can also be overridden by setting table data attributes data-table-page (url) and data-table-group (id)
(e.g. <table class="tablesorter" data-table-page="mydomain" data-table-group="financial">...</table>)

For a bit more detail, specifically on how to use the new storage function options for a custom widget, please refer to issue #389.
headerList Array [ ] (empty array) Internal list of each header element as selected using jQuery selectors in the selectorHeaders option. Not really useful for normal usage.
headers Object null An object of instructions for per-column controls in the format: headers: { 0: { option: setting }, ... }

For example, to disable sorting on the first two columns of a table: headers: { 0: { sorter: false}, 1: {sorter: false} }.

The plugin attempts to detect the type of data that is contained in a column, but if it can't figure it out then it defaults to alphanumeric. You can easily override this by setting the header argument (or column parser). See the full list of default parsers here or write your own.
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    headers: {

      // See example - Disable first column
      0: { sorter: false },

      // See example 2: Sort column numerically & treat any text as if its value is:
      1: { sorter: "digit", empty:  "top" }, // zero; sort empty cells to the top
      2: { sorter: "digit", string: "max" }, // maximum positive value
      3: { sorter: "digit", string: "min" }, // maximum negative value

      // Sort the fifth column by date & set the format
      4: { sorter: "shortDate", dateFormat: "yyyymmdd" }, // year first format

      // See example 3: lock the sort order
      // this option will not work if added as metadata
      5: { lockedOrder: "asc" },

      // See Example 4: Initial sort order direction of seventh column
      6: { sortInitialOrder: "desc" },

      // Set filter widget options for this column
      // See the "Applying the filter widget" demo
      7: { filter: false },    // disable filter widget for this column
      8: { filter: "parsed" }, // use parsed data for this column in the filter search

      // Set resizable widget options for this column
      9: { resizable: false } // prevent resizing of column 9

    }
  });
});
Ex:1 2 3 4
headerTemplate String "{content}" This is a template string which allows adding additional content to the header while it is being built (v2.7).

This template string has two modifying tags: {content} and {icon}.
{content} will be replaced by the current header HTML content.
{icon} will be replaced by <i class="tablesorter-icon"></i>, but only if a class name is defined in the cssIcon option.

This template string may also contain HTML, e.g ('<em>{content}</em> {icon}')

After the template string is built, the onRenderTemplate function is called to allow further manipulation. Please read more about this onRenderTemplate function and/or check out the example (link to the right).
Example
ignoreCase Boolean true When true, text sorting will ignore the character case. If false, upper case characters will sort before lower case. (v2.2).
initWidgets Boolean true Apply widgets after table initializes (v2.3.5).
When true, all widgets set by the widgets option will apply after tablesorter has initialized, this is the normal behavior.

If false, the each widget set by the widgets option will be initialized, meaning the "init" function is run, but the format function will not be run. This is useful when running the pager plugin after the table is set up. The pager plugin will initialize, then apply all set widgets.

Why you ask? Well, lets say you have a table with 1000 rows that will have the pager plugin applied to it. Before this option, the table would finish its setup, all widgets would be applied to the 1000 rows, pager plugin initializes and reapplies the widgets on the say 20 rows showing; making the widget application to 100 rows unnecessary and a waste of time. So, when this option is false, widgets will only be applied to the table after the pager is set up.
onRenderHeader Function null This function is called after content is to the TH tags (after the template is procressed and added). You can use this to modify the HTML in each header tag for additional styling.

In versions 2.0.6+, all TH text is wrapped in a div with a class name of "tablesorter-inner" by default. In the example below, the header cell (TH) div is given a class name (source).
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    headerTemplate: '{content}',
    onRenderHeader: function (){
      $(this).find('div').addClass('roundedCorners');
    }
  });
});
and you'll end up with this HTML (only the thead is shown)
<thead>
  <tr>
    <th class="tablesorter-header"><div class="tablesorter-header-inner roundedCorners">Column 1</div></th>
    <th class="tablesorter-header"><div class="tablesorter-header-inner roundedCorners">Column 2</div></th>
  </tr>
</thead>
* Note: this function adds additional rendering time to the table if any DOM manipulation is done. Because this time will be on top of the processing time already added by the template.
Example
onRenderTemplate Function null This function is called after the template string has been built, but before the template string is applied to the header and before the onRenderHeader function is called (v2.7).

The onRenderTemplate function receives a column index and template string parameters. The template string, from the headerTemplate option, will already have the {icon} and {content} tags replaced; it's just a string of formatted HTML. When done manipulating this string, return it. Here is an example:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    headerTemplate: '{icon}{content}',
    onRenderTemplate: function (index, template){
      return '<em>' + (index + 1) + ':</em> ' + template;
    }
  });
});
The template parameter can be manipulated as a string, or if you prefer, turn it into a jQuery object (var $t = $(template)) to find and replace content as desired. Just make sure you return a string (return $t.html())

From the example function above, you'll end up with something similar to this HTML (only the thead is shown)
<thead>
  <tr>
    <th class="tablesorter-header"><div class="tablesorter-header-inner"><em>1:</em> <i class="tablesorter-icon"></i>First Name</div></th>
    <th class="tablesorter-header"><div class="tablesorter-header-inner"><em>2:</em> <i class="tablesorter-icon"></i>Last Name</div></th>
  </tr>
</thead>
* Note: If the cssIcon option is an empty string, the {icon} tag will also become an empty string.
Example
parsers Object { } Internal list of all of the parsers. Here is a complete list of default parsers:

sorter: falsedisable sort for this column.
sorter: "text"Sort alpha-numerically.
sorter: "digit"Sort numerically.
sorter: "currency"Sort by currency value (supports "£$€¤¥¢").
sorter: "ipAddress"Sort by IP Address.
sorter: "url"Sort by url.
sorter: "isoDate"Sort by ISO date (YYYY-MM-DD or YYYY/MM/DD; these formats can be followed by a time).
sorter: "percent"Sort by percent.
sorter: "usLongDate"Sort by date (U.S. Standard, e.g. Jan 18, 2001 9:12 AM or 18 Jan 2001 9:12 AM (new in v2.7.4)).
sorter: "shortDate"Sort by a shortened date (see dateFormat; these formats can also be followed by a time).
sorter: "time"Sort by time (23:59 or 12:59 pm).
sorter: "metadata"Sort by the sorter value in the metadata - requires the metadata plugin.

Check out the headers option to see how to use these parsers in your table (example #1).
Or add a header class name using "sorter-" plus the parser name (example #2), this includes custom parsers (example #3).
Ex:1 2 3
selectorHeaders String "> thead th, > thead td" jQuery selectors used to find cells in the header.
You can change this, but the table will still need the required thead and tbody before this plugin will work properly.
Added > to the selector in v2.3 to prevent targetting nested table headers. It was modified again in v2.4 to include td cells within the thead.
selectorRemove String "tr.remove-me" This CSS class name can be applied to all rows that are to be removed prior to triggering a table update. (v2.1).

It was necessary to add this option because some widgets add table rows for styling (see the writing custom widgets demo) and if a table update is triggered ($('table').trigger('update');) those added rows will automatically become incorporated into the table.
selectorSort String "th, td" jQuery selector of content within selectorHeaders that is clickable to trigger a sort (v2.4). Example
serverSideSorting Boolean false Set to true if the server is performing the sorting. The ui and events will still be used (v2.5.3).
showProcessing Boolean false Show an indeterminate timer icon in the header when the table is sorted or filtered. Please note that due to javascript processing, the icon may not show as being animated. I'm looking into this further and would appreciate any feedback or suggestions with the coding (v2.4). Example
sortForce Array null Use to add an additional forced sort that is prepended to sortList.

For example, sortForce: [[0,0]] will sort the first column in ascending order. After the forced sort, the user selected column(s), or during initialzation, the sorting order defined in the sortList will follow. And lastly, the sort defined in the sortAppend option will be applied. More explicitly:

There are three options to determine the sort order and this is the order of priority:
  1. sortForce forces the user to have this/these column(s) sorted first (null by default).
  2. SortList is the initial sort order of the columns.
  3. SortAppend is the default sort that is added to the end of the users sort selection (null by default).
The value of these sort options is an array of arrays and can include one or more columns. The format is an array of instructions for per-column sorting and direction in the format: [[columnIndex, sortDirection], ... ] where columnIndex is a zero-based index for your columns left-to-right and sortDirection is 0 for Ascending and 1 for Descending. A valid argument that sorts ascending first by column 1 and then column 2 looks like: [[0,0],[1,0]].
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    sortForce  : [[0,0]],        // Always sort first column first
    sortList   : [[1,0], [2,0]], // initial sort columns (2nd and 3rd)
    sortAppend : [[3,0]]         // Always add this sort on the end (4th column)
  });
});
Example
sortList Array null Use to add an initial sort to the table.

The value contains an array of instructions for per-column sorting and direction in the format: [[columnIndex, sortDirection], ... ] where columnIndex is a zero-based index for your columns left-to-right and sortDirection is 0 for Ascending and 1 for Descending. A valid argument that sorts ascending first by column 1 and then column 2 looks like: [[0,0],[1,0]]. Please see sortForce for more details on other sort order options.

This option can also be set using jQuery data (v2.3.1) or metadata on the table:
** Note: data-sortlist data is not supported in jQuery versions older than 1.4.
jQuery data<table data-sortlist="[[0,0],[4,0]]"> **
Meta data<table class="tablesorter {sortlist: [[0,0],[4,0]]}">
Example
sortAppend Array null Use to add an additional forced sort that will be appended to the dynamic selections by the user.

For example, can be used to sort people alphabetically after some other user-selected sort that results in rows with the same value like dates or money due. It can help prevent data from appearing as though it has a random secondary sort.

The value contains an array of instructions for per-column sorting and direction in the format: [[columnIndex, sortDirection], ... ] where columnIndex is a zero-based index for your columns left-to-right and sortDirection is 0 for Ascending and 1 for Descending. A valid argument that sorts ascending first by column 1 and then column 2 looks like: [[0,0],[1,0]]. Please see sortForce for more details on other sort order options.
Example
sortInitialOrder String "asc" This sets the direction a column will sort when clicking on the header for the first time. Valid arguments are "asc" for Ascending or "desc" for Descending.

This order can also be set by desired column using the headers option (Added in v2.0.8).

Individual columns can be modified by adding the following (they all do the same thing), set in order of priority (Modified v2.3.1):
  • jQuery data data-sortInitialOrder="asc".
  • metadata class="{ sortInitialOrder: 'asc'}". This requires the metadata plugin.
  • headers option headers : { 0 : { sortInitialOrder : 'asc' } }.
  • header class name class="sortInitialOrder-asc".
  • Overall sortInitialOrder option.
Ex:1 2
sortLocaleCompare Boolean false Boolean flag indicating if certain accented characters within the table will be replaced with their equivalent characters. (Modified v2.2).
  • This option no longer switches the sort to use the String.localeCompare method.
  • When this option is true, the text parsed from table cells will convert accented characters to their equivalent to allow the alphanumeric sort to properly sort.
  • If false (default), any accented characters are treated as their value in the standard unicode order.
  • The following characters are replaced for both upper and lower case (information obtained from sugar.js sorting equivalents table):
    • áàâãä replaced with a
    • ç replaced with c
    • éèêë replaced with e
    • íìİîï replaced with i
    • óòôõö replaced with o
    • úùûü replaced with u
    • ß replaced with S
  • Please see the example page for instrcutions on how to modify the above equivalency table.
  • If you would like to continuing using the String.localeCompare method, then set the sortLocaleCompare option to false and use the new textSorter option as follows:
    $('table').tablesorter({
      textSorter: function(a,b) {
        return a.localeCompare(b);
      }
    });

NOTE: See the Language wiki page for language specific examples and how to extend the character equivalent tables seen in the sortLocaleCompare demo.

Boolean flag indicating whenever to use javascript String.localeCompare method or not.
This is only used when comparing text with international character strings. A sort using localeCompare will sort accented characters the same as their unaccented counterparts.
Example
sortReset Boolean false Setting this option to true will allow you to click on the table header a third time to reset the sort direction. (v2.0.27).

Don't confuse this option with the sortReset method. This option only resets the column sort after a third click, while the method immediately resets the entire table sort.
Example
sortResetKey String "ctrlKey" The key used to reset sorting on the entire table. Defaults to the control key. The other options are "shiftKey" or "altKey". Reference: https://developer.mozilla.org/en/DOM/MouseEvent
sortRestart Boolean false Setting this option to true will start the sort with the sortInitialOrder when clicking on a previously unsorted column. (v2.0.31). Example
sortMultiSortKey String "shiftKey" The key used to select more than one column for multi-column sorting. Defaults to the shift key. The other options are "ctrlKey" or "altKey". Reference: https://developer.mozilla.org/en/DOM/MouseEvent Example
stringTo String "max" A key word indicating how tablesorter should deal with text inside of numerically sorted columns. (v2.1.16).

String options was initially set in the header options only. Overall option added and values changed in version 2.1.16; setting the value to:
  • "max" will treat any text in that column as a value greater than the max (more positive) value. Renamed from "max+".
  • "min" will treat any text in that column as a value greater than the min (more negative) value. Renamed from "max-".
  • "top" will always sort the text to the top of the column.
  • "bottom" will always sort the text to the bottom of the column.
  • "none" or "zero" will treat the text as if it has a value of zero.
Individual columns can be modified by adding the following (they all do the same thing), set in order of priority:
  • jQuery data data-string="top".
  • metadata class="{ string: 'top'}". This requires the metadata plugin.
  • headers option headers : { 0 : { string : 'top' } }.
  • header class name class="string-top".
  • Overall stringTo option.
Example
tableClass String "" Additional CSS class applied to style the table - v2.11

Changed to empty string in v2.11, as the "tablesorter" class will always be added to the table; this option now contains any additional class names to add.

This class was required in the default markup in version 2.0.5. But in version 2.0.6, it was added as an option.

Modify this option if you are not using the default css, or if you are using a completely custom stylesheet.
theme String "default" This option will add a theme css class name to the table "tablesorter-{theme}" for styling (v2.4).

When changing this theme option, make sure that the appropriate css theme file has also been loaded. Included theme files include: see all themes
Example
textExtraction String Or Function "simple" Defines which method is used to extract data from a table cell for sorting. The built-in option is "simple" which is the equivalent of doing this inside of the textExtraction function: $(node).text();.

You can customize the text extraction by writing your own text extraction function "myTextExtraction" which you define like:
var myTextExtraction = function(node, table, cellIndex){
  // extract data from markup and return it
  // originally: return node.childNodes[0].childNodes[0].innerHTML;
  return $(node).find('selector').text();
}
$(function(){
  $("#myTable").tableSorter( { textExtraction: myTextExtraction } );
});
tablesorter will pass the current table cell object for you to parse and return. Thanks to Josh Nathanson for the examples. Updated to a jQuery example by Rob G (Mottie).

Now if the text you are finding in the script above is say a number, then just include the headers sorter option to specify how to sort it. Also in this example, we will specify that the special textExtraction code is only needed for the second column ("1" because we are using a zero-based index). All other columns will ignore this textExtraction function.

Added table and cellIndex variables to the textExtraction function in version 2.1.2.

$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    textExtraction: {
      1: function(node, table, cellIndex) {
           return $(node).find("span:last").text();
      }
    },
    headers: {
      1: { sorter : "digit" }
    }
  });
});
Example
numberSorter Function null Replace the default number sorting algorithm with a custom one using this option v2.12.

Here is an example:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    numberSorter : function(a, b, direction, maxColumnValue){
      // direction; true = ascending; false = descending
      // maxColumnValue = the maximum value of that column (ignoring its sign)
      return a - b;
    }
  });
});
The direction parameter (boolean) is merely for informational purposes as the plugin automatically switches `a` and `b` depending on the sort direction ( i.e. there's no need to worry about reverse sorting, it's taken care of by the plugin ).
textSorter Function null Replace the default sorting algorithm with a custom one using this option (v2.12) - *NOTE* The parameters have changed!!.

Include a script like naturalSort.js as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    textSorter : naturalSort
  });
});
or use the localeCompare sort
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    // replace the OVERALL text sorter function
    textSorter: function(a, b, direction, columnIndex, table){
      // direction: true = ascending; false = descending
      // columnIndex: zero-based index of the current table column being sorted
      // table: table DOM element (access options by using table.config)
      return a.localeCompare(b);
    }
  });
});
In v2.12, the textSorter option will now accept a text sorter per column:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    textSorter : {
      // replace INDIVIDUAL COLUMN text sorter functions
      0 : function(a, b, direction, columnIndex, table){
        // same as $.tablesorter.sortText
        // direction: true = ascending; false = descending
        // columnIndex: zero-based index of the current table column being sorted
        // table: table DOM element (access options by using table.config)
        return a > b ? 1 : (a < b ? -1 : 0);
      },
      1 : $.tablesorter.sortText,    // same as the function in column 0 above (modified in v2.12)
      2 : $.tablesorter.sortNatural, // renamed v2.12 from $.tablesorter.sortText - performs natural sort
      3 : Array.AlphanumericSort     // alphanumeric sort from sugar (http://sugarjs.com/arrays#sorting)
    }
  });
});
The direction parameter (boolean) is merely for informational purposes as the plugin automatically switches `a` and `b` depending on the sort direction ( i.e. there's no need to worry about reverse sorting, it's taken care of by the plugin ).
Example
usNumberFormat Boolean true Indicates how tablesorter should deal with a numerical format: (v2.1.3).
true U.S. 1,234,567.89
false German:
French:
1.234.567,89
1 234 567,89
Example
widgets Array [ ] (empty array) Initialize widgets using this option ( e.g. widgets : ['zebra'], or custom widgets widgets: ['zebra', 'myCustomWidget'];, see this demo on how to write your own custom widget ). Example
widthFixed Boolean false Indicates if tablesorter should apply fixed percentage-based widths to the table columns (modified v2.4).
Prior to v2.4, this option set pixel widths to added colgroups to fix the column widths. This is useful for the Pager companion.
Requires the jQuery dimension plugin to work. This is now part of the jQuery core.
Example
widgetOptions Object { } In version 2.1, all widget options have been moved into this option. This is a move to store all widget specific options in one place so as not to polute the main table options. All current widgets have been modified to use this new option. (v2.1).

Previously documented widget options widgetZebra, widgetColumns and widgetUitheme will be retained for backwards compatibility.

Use the widgetOptions option as follows, please note that each option is followed by a comma (except the last one):
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({

    // initialize a bunch of widgets
    widgets: ["zebra", "uitheme", "columns", "filter", "resizable", "stickyHeaders"],

    widgetOptions: {

      // *** columns widget ***
      // change the default column class names
      columns : [ "primary", "secondary", "tertiary" ],
      // include thead when adding class names
      columns_thead : true,
      // include tfoot when adding class names
      columns_tfoot : true,

      // *** filter widget ***
      // Include child rows content in the search
      filter_childRows     : false,
      // show column filters
      filter_columnFilters : true,
      // css class applied to the filter row inputs/select
      filter_cssFilter     : '',
      // data attribute in the header cell that contains the default filter value
      filter_defaultAttrib : 'data-value',
      // class added to filtered rows; needed by pager plugin
      filter_filteredRow   : 'filtered',
      // add custom filter elements to the filter row
      filter_formatter     : null,
      // add custom filter functions using this option.
      filter_functions     : null,
      // if true, the filter row is hidden initially until hovered/focused.
      filter_hideFilters   : false,
      // if true, make all searches case-insensitive.
      filter_ignoreCase    : true,
      // if true, search column content while the user types (with a delay)
      filter_liveSearch    : true,
      // a selector in a header with this class name will only show selected options in the drop down
      filter_onlyAvail     : 'filter-onlyAvail',
      // jQuery selector string of an element used to reset the filters.
      filter_reset         : null,
      // typing delay in milliseconds before starting a search.
      filter_searchDelay   : 300,
      // if true, filter start from the beginning of the cell contents.
      filter_startsWith    : false,
      // filter all data using parsed content.
      filter_useParsedData : false,
      // Set to true for server-side filtering
      filter_serversideFiltering :  false,

      // *** stickyHeaders widget ***
      // extra class name added to the sticky header row
      stickyHeaders : '',
      // number or jquery selector targeting the position:fixed element
      stickyHeaders_offset : 0,
      // added to table ID, if it exists
      stickyHeaders_cloneId : '-sticky',
      // trigger "resize" event on headers
      stickyHeaders_addResizeEvent : true,
      // if false and a caption exist, it won't be included in the sticky header
      stickyHeaders_includeCaption : true,
      // The zIndex of the stickyHeaders, allows the user to adjust this to their needs
      stickyHeaders_zIndex : 2

      // *** resizable widget ***
      // if false, resized columns are not saved for next page reload
      resizable : true,
      // if true, the last column will be resizable (use in non-full width tables)
      resizable_addLastColumn: false,

      // *** savesort widget ***
      // if false, the sort will not be saved for next page reload
      saveSort : true,

      // *** uitheme widget ***
      // include the name of the theme to use current options are
      // "jui" (default) and "bootstrap"
      uitheme : "jui",

      // *** zebra widget ***
      // class names to add, default is [ "even", "odd" ]
      zebra : ["ui-widget-content even", "ui-state-default odd"]

    }

  });
});
Example
Deprecated Options
widgetColumns Object with Array { css:[ "primary", "secondary", "tertiary" ] } This option is being deprecated! It has been replaced by widgetOptions.columns; but is still available for backwards compatibility.

When the column styling widget is initialized, it automatically applied the default class names of "primary" for the primary sort, "secondary" for the next sort, "tertiary" for the next sort, and so on (add more as needed)... (v2.0.17). Use the widgetColumns option to change the css class name as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["columns"], // initialize column styling of the table
    widgetColumns: { css: ["primary", "secondary", "tertiary" ] }
  });
});
widgetUitheme Object with Array { css: [ "ui-icon-arrowthick-2-n-s", "ui-icon-arrowthick-1-s", "ui-icon-arrowthick-1-n" ] } This option is being deprecated! It has been replaced by widgetOptions.uitheme; but is still available for backwards compatibility.

Used when the ui theme styling widget is initialized. It automatically applies the default class names of "ui-icon-arrowthick-2-n-s" for the unsorted column, "ui-icon-arrowthick-1-s" for the descending sort and "ui-icon-arrowthick-1-n" for the ascending sort. (v2.0.9). Find more jQuery UI class names by hovering over the Framework icons on this page: http://jqueryui.com/themeroller/

Use the widgetUitheme option to change the css class name as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["uitheme"], // initialize ui theme styling widget of the table
    widgetUitheme: {
      css: [
        "ui-icon-carat-2-n-s", // Unsorted icon
        "ui-icon-carat-1-s",   // Sort up (down arrow)
        "ui-icon-carat-1-n"    // Sort down (up arrow)
      ]
    }
  });
});
widgetZebra Object with Array { css: [ "even", "odd" ] } This option is being deprecated! It has been replaced by widgetOptions.zebra; but is still available for backwards compatibility.

When the zebra striping widget is initialized, it automatically applied the default class names of "even" and "odd". Use the widgetZebra option to change the css class name as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["zebra"], // initialize zebra striping of the table
    widgetZebra: { css: [ "normal-row", "alt-row" ] }
  });
});

Widget & Pager Options

Widget PriorityNameRequires jQueryLimiting function
30columnsv1.2.6
50filterv1.4.31.4.3 (nextUntil & delegate)
Lastpagerv1.2.6
40resizablev1.4.1*1.4 (isEmptyObject); 1.4.1 (parseJSON)*
20saveSortv1.4.11.4.1 (parseJSON)*
60stickyHeadersv1.2.6
10uithemev1.2.6
90zebrav1.2.6

tablesorter widgets have many options, and to better organize them, they now are grouped together inside of the widgetOptions. Thanks to thezoggy for putting together this jQuery-widget compatibility table, but please note:
TIP! Click on the link in the property column to reveal full details (or toggle|show|hide all) or double click to update the browser location.
Property Type Default Description Link
Property Type Default Description Link
columns Array [ "primary", "secondary", "tertiary" ] Columns widget: When the column styling widget is initialized, it automatically applied the default class names of "primary" for the primary sort, "secondary" for the next sort, "tertiary" for the next sort, and so on (add more as needed)... (Modified v2.1).

Use the "columns" option to change the css class name as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["columns"], // initialize column styling of the table
    widgetOptions : {
      columns: [ "primary", "secondary", "tertiary" ]
    }
  });
});
Example
columns_thead Boolean true Columns widget: If true, the class names from the columns option will also be added to the table thead (v2.4).

Use the "columns_thead" option to add the column class names to the thead as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["columns"], // initialize column styling of the table
    widgetOptions : {
      columns_thead: true
    }
  });
});
Example
columns_tfoot Boolean true Columns widget: If true, the class names from the columns option will also be added to the table tfoot (v2.4).

Use the "columns_tfoot" option to add the column class names to the tfoot as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["columns"], // initialize column styling of the table
    widgetOptions : {
      columns_tfoot: true
    }
  });
});
Example
filter_childRows Boolean false Filter widget: If there are child rows in the table (rows with class name from "cssChildRow" option) and this option is true and a match is found anywhere in the child row, then it will make that row visible. (Modified v2.1).

Use the filter_childRows option include child row text as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["filter"],
    widgetOptions : {
      filter_childRows : true
    }
  });
});
filter_columnFilters Boolean true Filter widget: If true, a filter will be added to the top of each table column (v2.4).

Use the filter_columnFilters option as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["filter"],
    widgetOptions : {
      filter_columnFilters : true
    }
  });
});
filter_cssFilter String "" Additional CSS class applied to each filter - v2.11

Changed to empty string in v2.11, as the "tablesorter-filter" class will always be added to the filter; this option now contains any additional class names to add.

Use the "tablesorter-filter" option to add an extra css class name as follows:

$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["filter"],
    widgetOptions : {
      // css class applied to the table row containing the filters & the inputs within that row
      filter_cssFilter : "tablesorter-filter"
    }
  });
});
Example
filter_filteredRow String "filtered" Filter widget: This is the class name applied to all rows that match the filter; used by pager plugin (v2.10).
filter_formatter Object null Filter widget: This option allows you to add custom controls within the filter widget row (v2.7.7).

A new file has been included named "jquery.tablesorter.widgets-filter-formatter.js". It includes code to add jQuery UI and HTML5 controls via the filter_formatter option.

Most of the formatter functions have an option named valueToHeader which, when true adds a span to the header cell above the filter row and updates it with the current control's value (see example 2). If the option exists and is set to false, then the current value is added to the control's handle and css can be used to create a popup to show the current value (see example 1).

Another custom option named addToggle is included with the "uiSpinner", "html5Color" and "html5Number" code. This allows the user to disable the control to show all table rows. For the single sliders, "uiSlider" and "html5Range", the minimum value is used to clear the filter (show all rows).

The options included for each jQuery UI control only show basic options, but any or all of the jQuery UI options for that control can be included.
  • To add the jQuery UI slider, follow this example:
    $(function(){
      $("table").tablesorter({
        widgets: ["filter"],
        widgetOptions : {
          filter_formatter : {
            0 : function($cell, indx){
              return $.tablesorter.filterFormatter.uiSpinner( $cell, indx, {
                value : 0,  // starting value
                min   : 0,  // minimum value
                max   : 50, // maximum value
                step  : 1,  // increment value by
                addToggle: true, // Add a toggle to enable/disable the control
                valueToHeader: false // add current slider value to the header cell
              });
            }
          }
        }
      });
    });
    Any of the other jQuery UI spinner widget options can also be included.

  • Filter formatter functions include: "uiSpinner", "uiSlider", "uiRange" (uiSlider ranged), "uiDatepicker" (range only), "html5Number", "html5Range" and "html5Color".
  • For other examples, please refer to the example pages. Formatter part 1 (example 1) adds jQuery UI controls to the filter row, while formatter part 2 (example 2) adds HTML5 controls, if supported, to the filter row.
Ex: 1 2
filter_functions Object null Filter widget: Customize the filter widget by adding a select dropdown with content, custom options or custom filter functions (v2.3.6).
Use the "filter_functions" option in three different ways:
  • Make a sorted select dropdown list of all column contents. Repeated content will be combined.
    $(function(){
      $("table").tablesorter({
        widgets: ["filter"],
        widgetOptions: {
          filter_functions: {
            // Add select menu to this column
            // set the column value to true, and/or add "filter-select" class name to header
            0 : true
          }
        }
      });
    });
    Alternately, instead of setting the column filter funtion to true, give the column header a class name of "filter-select". See the demo.

  • Make a select dropdown list with custom option settings. Each option must have a corresponding function which returns a boolean value; return true if there is a match, or false with no match.

    Regex example

    $(function(){
      $("table").tablesorter({
        widgets: ["filter"],
        widgetOptions: {
          // function variables:
          // e = exact text from cell
          // n = normalized value returned by the column parser
          // f = search filter input value
          // i = column index
          filter_functions: {
            // Add these options to the select dropdown (regex example)
            2 : {
              "A - D" : function(e, n, f, i) { return /^[A-D]/.test(e); },
              "E - H" : function(e, n, f, i) { return /^[E-H]/.test(e); },
              "I - L" : function(e, n, f, i) { return /^[I-L]/.test(e); },
              "M - P" : function(e, n, f, i) { return /^[M-P]/.test(e); },
              "Q - T" : function(e, n, f, i) { return /^[Q-T]/.test(e); },
              "U - X" : function(e, n, f, i) { return /^[U-X]/.test(e); },
              "Y - Z" : function(e, n, f, i) { return /^[Y-Z]/.test(e); }
            }
          }
        }
      });
    });

    Comparison example

    $(function(){
      $("table").tablesorter({
        widgets: ["filter"],
        widgetOptions: {
          // function variables:
          // e = exact text from cell
          // n = normalized value returned by the column parser
          // f = search filter input value
          // i = column index
          filter_functions: {
            // Add these options to the select dropdown (numerical comparison example)
            // Note that only the normalized (n) value will contain numerical data
            // If you use the exact text, you'll need to parse it (parseFloat or parseInt)
            4 : {
              "< $10"      : function(e, n, f, i) { return n < 10; },
              "$10 - $100" : function(e, n, f, i) { return n >= 10 && n <=100; },
              "> $100"     : function(e, n, f, i) { return n > 100; }
            }
          }
        }
      });
    });
    Note: if the filter_ignoreCase option is true, it DOES alter the normalized value (n) by making it all lower case.

  • Make a custom filter for the column.
    $(function(){
      $("table").tablesorter({
        widgets: ["filter"],
        widgetOptions: {
          // function variables:
          // e = exact text from cell
          // n = normalized value returned by the column parser
          // f = search filter input value
          // i = column index
          filter_functions: {
            // Exact match only
            1 : function(e, n, f, i) {
              return e === f;
            }
          }
        }
      });
    });
    Note: if the filter_ignoreCase option is true, it DOES alter the normalized value (n) by making it all lower case.

Example
filter_hideFilters Boolean false Filter widget: Set this option to true to hide the filter row initially. The row is revealed by hovering over the visible portion of the filter row or by giving any filter input/select focus (tab key) (v2.4).

Use the filter_hideFilters option as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["filter"],
    widgetOptions : {
      filter_hideFilters : true
    }
  });
});
You can change the style (thickness) of the hidden filter row in the tablesorter theme css. Look for .tablesorter-filter-row (revealed row) and .tablesorter-filter-row.hideme (for the hidden row) css definitions.
Example
filter_ignoreCase Boolean true Filter widget: Set this option to false to make the column content search case-insensitive, so typing in "a" will not find "Albert". (v2.3.4)

Use the filter_ignorecase option as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["filter"],
    widgetOptions : {
      filter_ignoreCase : false
    }
  });
});
Example
filter_liveSearch Boolean, or Number true Filter widget: If true, a search of the column content will occur as the user types, with the delay set in the filter_searchDelay option (v2.9; v2.10).

This option, when false allows you to disable the live search behavior, so that a filter is only applied when the user presses enter (or uses escape to clear and cancel the search).

If this option is set to a number, e.g. 4, a search of the column content will not initiate until this minimum number of characters are entered into the input.
filter_onlyAvail String 'filter-onlyAvail' Filter widget: If a header contains a select dropdown and this class name, only the available (visible) options in the column will show (v2.10.1).

This option is useful after one or more columns have been filtered, then the column select filter with this class applied will only show the contents of the column within the dropdown that are currently visible. See the custom filter widget demo "Discount" column for an example (sort the "First Name" column first).

Caution: The main issue with this functionality is with keyboard accessibility. If the keyboard is used to select an option, only the first and default options will be available for chosing. The only way to select other options is with the mouse.
Example
filter_reset String null Filter widget: jQuery selector string of an element used to reset the filters (v2.4).

To use this option, point to a reset button or link using a jQuery selector. For example, add this button (<button class="reset">Reset</button>) to the table header, or anywhere else on the page. That element will be used as a reset for all column and quick search filters (clears all fields):

Use the filter_reset option as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["filter"],
    widgetOptions : {
      filter_reset : '.reset'
    }
  });
});
Example
filter_searchDelay Numeric 300 Filter widget: Set this option to the number of milliseconds to delay the search. (v2.3.4).

Use the filter_searchDelay option as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["filter"],
    widgetOptions : {
      filter_searchDelay : 500
    }
  });
});
If you want to want to initialize the filter without user input, target any one of the filters and trigger a "search".
// target the first filter input
// this method will begin the search after the searchDelay time
$('input.tablesorter-filter:eq(0)').trigger('search');

// this method will begin the search immediately
$('input.tablesorter-filter:eq(0)').trigger('search', false);
In tablesorter v2.4+, the trigger can be applied directly to the table:
// refresh the widget filter; no delay
$('table').trigger('search', false);
filter_serversideFiltering Boolean false Filter widget: Set this option to true if filtering is performed on the server-side (v2.5.3).

Use the filter_serversideFiltering option as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["filter"],
    widgetOptions : {
      filter_serversideFiltering : true
    }
  });
});
filter_startsWith Boolean false Filter widget: Set this option to true to use the filter to find text from the start of the column, so typing in "a" will find "albert" but not "frank", both have a's. (v2.1).

Use the filter_startsWith option as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["filter"],
    widgetOptions : {
      filter_startsWith : true
    }
  });
});
Example
filter_useParsedData Boolean false Filter widget: If true, ALL filter searches will only use parsed data (v2.4).

Use the filter_useParsedData option as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["filter"],
    widgetOptions : {
      filter_useParsedData : false
    }
  });
});
  • To only use parsed data in specific columns, set this option to false and use any of the following (they all do the same thing), set in order of priority:
    • jQuery data data-filter="parsed".
    • metadata class="{ filter: 'parsed'}". This requires the metadata plugin.
    • headers option headers : { 0 : { filter : 'parsed' } }.
    • header class name class="filter-parsed".
  • Remember that parsed data most likely doesn't match the actual table cell text, 20% becomes 20 and Jan 1, 2013 12:01 AM becomes 1357020060000.
filter_defaultAttrib String 'data-value' Filter widget: This option contains the name of the data-attribute which contains the default (starting) filter value (v2.10.8).

Use the filter_defaultAttrib option as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["filter"],
    widgetOptions : {
      filter_defaultAttrib : 'data-value'
    }
  });
});
Then add the default filter value to the table header as follows:
<th data-value="<30">Age</th>
Example
stickyHeaders String "" Sticky Headers widget: This additional CSS class applied to the sticky header row - v2.11

Changed to empty string in v2.11, as the "tablesorter-stickyHeader" class will always be added to the sticky header row; this option now contains any additional class names to add.

Previously, this option contained the class name to be applied to the sticky header row (tr) (v2.1).

Use the "stickyHeaders" option to add an extra css class name as follows:

$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["stickyHeaders"],
    widgetOptions : {
      // css class name applied to the sticky header
      stickyHeaders : "tablesorter-stickyHeader"
    }
  });
});
Example
stickyHeaders_cloneId String "-sticky" Sticky Headers widget: If the table has an ID defined, the suffix from this option will be added to the ID in the cloned sticky table (v2.9).

So if your table ID is "gummy", then the cloned sticky table id becomes "gummy-sticky"

Use the "stickyHeaders_cloneId" option to change the cloned table id as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["stickyHeaders"],
    widgetOptions : {
      // cloned table id suffix
      stickyHeaders_cloneId : "-clone"
    }
  });
});
stickyHeaders_includeCaption Boolean true Sticky Headers widget: If this option is false and a caption exists, it will not be included in the sticky header (v2.10.8).

Use the stickyHeaders_includeCaption option as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["stickyHeaders"],
    widgetOptions : {
      // cloned table id suffix
      stickyHeaders_includeCaption : false
    }
  });
});
stickyHeaders_offset Multiple 0 Sticky Headers widget: Set the sticky header offset from the top as a Number or jQuery selector string or object (v2.10).

If the page includes a fixed navigation bar at the top, like Bootstrap, set "stickyHeaders_offset" option to offset the sticky table header to be below the fixed navigation by setting this option using any of the following examples:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["stickyHeaders"],
    widgetOptions : {
      // apply sticky header top 30px below the top of the browser window
      stickyHeaders_offset : 30
    }
  });
});
or
stickyHeaders_offset : '.navbar-fixed-top' // jQuery selector string
or
stickyHeaders_offset : $('.navbar-fixed-top') // jQuery object
stickyHeaders_addResizeEvent Boolean true Sticky Headers widget: If true, sticky table headers will resize automatically when content is added to or removed from the table headers (v2.10).

While this option is true, a timer is initialized to check the width of every header cell every 1/4 second. If this causes lag, or any other problems, set this option to false. When this option is false, sticky table headers are unable to detect and match the width of the original table headers when content is added or removed.

Use the "stickyHeaders_addResizeEvent" option as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["resizable"],
    widgetOptions : {
      // add header resize detection
      stickyHeaders_addResizeEvent : true
    }
  });
});
When the browser window is resized, the headers (original and sticky) will resize automatically no matter the value of this option.
stickyHeaders_zIndex Numeric 2 Sticky Headers widget: The zIndex added to the stickyHeaders. This option allows the user to adjust the value to their needs (v2.11).

Use the stickyHeaders_zIndex option as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["stickyHeaders"],
    widgetOptions : {
      // The zIndex of the stickyHeaders, allows the user to adjust this to their needs
      stickyHeaders_zIndex : 100
    }
  });
});
resizable Boolean true Resizable widget: If this option is set to false, resized column widths will not be saved. Previous saved values will be restored on page reload (v2.4).

Use the "resizable" option to not save the resized widths:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["resizable"],
    widgetOptions : {
      // css class name applied to the sticky header
      resizable : false
    }
  });
});
Example
resizable_addLastColumn Boolean false Resizable widget: If this option is set to true, a resizing anchor will be included in the last column of the table (v2.8.3).

If an anchor was included and the table is full width, the column would resize in the opposite direction which my not be intuitive to the user. So set this option as desired, but please be mindful of the user experience.

Use the "resizable_addLastColumn" option to include the last column resizer as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["resizable"],
    widgetOptions : {
      // css class name applied to the sticky header
      resizable_addlastcolumn : true
    }
  });
});
Example
saveSort Boolean true saveSort widget: If this option is set to false, new sorts will not be saved. Any previous saved sort will be restored on page reload (v2.4).

Use the "saveSort" option to not save the current sort:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["saveSort"],
    widgetOptions : {
      // if false, the sort will not be saved for next page reload
      saveSort : false
    }
  });
});
Example
uitheme String "jui" This option contains the name of the theme. Currently jQuery UI ("jui") and Bootstrap ("bootstrap") themes are supported. To modify the class names used, extend from the theme (updated v2.4)

// Extend the themes to change any of the default class names ** NEW **
$.extend($.tablesorter.themes.jui, {
  // change default jQuery uitheme icons - find the full list of icons
  // here: http://jqueryui.com/themeroller/ (hover over them for their name)
  table      : 'ui-widget ui-widget-content ui-corner-all', // table classes
  header     : 'ui-widget-header ui-corner-all ui-state-default', // header classes
  footerRow  : '',
  footerCells: '',
  icons      : 'ui-icon', // icon class added to the <i> in the header
  sortNone   : 'ui-icon-carat-2-n-s',
  sortAsc    : 'ui-icon-carat-1-n',
  sortDesc   : 'ui-icon-carat-1-s',
  active     : 'ui-state-active', // applied when column is sorted
  hover      : 'ui-state-hover',  // hover class
  filterRow  : '',
  even       : 'ui-widget-content', // even row zebra striping
  odd        : 'ui-state-default'   // odd row zebra striping
});
This widget option replaces the previous widgetUitheme. All theme css names are now contained within the $.tablesorter.themes variable. Extend the default theme as seen above.

The class names from the $.tablesorter.themes.{name} variable are applied to the table as indicated.

As before the jQuery UI theme applies the default class names of "ui-icon-arrowthick-2-n-s" for the unsorted column, "ui-icon-arrowthick-1-s" for the descending sort and "ui-icon-arrowthick-1-n" for the ascending sort. (Modified v2.1; Updated in v2.4). Find more jQuery UI class names by hovering over the Framework icons on this page: http://jqueryui.com/themeroller/

Use the "uitheme" option to change the css class name as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    theme     : 'jui',       // set theme name from $.tablesorter.themes here
    widgets   : ["uitheme"], // initialize ui theme styling widget of the table
    widgetOptions: {
      uitheme : "jui"        // this is now optional in v2.7, it is overridden by the theme option
    }
  });
});
To add a new theme, define it as follows; replace "custom" with the name of your theme:
$.tablesorter.themes.custom = {
  table      : 'table',       // table classes
  header     : 'header',      // header classes
  footerRow  : '',
  footerCells: '',
  icons      : 'icon',        // icon class added to the <i> in the header
  sortNone   : 'sort-none',   // unsorted header
  sortAsc    : 'sort-asc',    // ascending sorted header
  sortDesc   : 'sort-desc',   // descending sorted header
  active     : 'sort-active', // applied when column is sorted
  hover      : 'hover',       // hover class
  filterRow  : 'filters',     // class added to the filter row
  even       : 'even',        // even row zebra striping
  odd        : 'odd'          // odd row zebra striping
}
Example
zebra Array [ "even", "odd" ] zebra widget: When the zebra striping widget is initialized, it automatically applied the default class names of "even" and "odd". (Modified v2.1).

Use the "zebra" option to change the theme as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table").tablesorter({
    widgets: ["zebra"], // initialize zebra striping of the table
    widgetOptions: {
      zebra: [ "normal-row", "alt-row" ]
    }
  });
});
Example
Pager
container Object null Target your one or more pager markup blocks by setting this option with a jQuery selector.

This is some example pager markup. It should contain all of the controls set by the multiple css-named options:
<div class="pager">
  <form>
    <img src="first.png" class="first"/>
    <img src="prev.png" class="prev"/>
    <span class="pagedisplay"></span> <!-- this can be any element, including an input -->
    <img src="next.png" class="next"/>
    <img src="last.png" class="last"/>
    <select class="pagesize">
      <option selected="selected" value="10">10</option>
      <option value="20">20</option>
      <option value="30">30</option>
      <option value="40">40</option>
    </select>
    <select class="gotoPage" title="Select page number"></select>
  </form>
</div>
Add this option as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table")
    .tablesorter()
    .tablesorterPager({
      container: $(".pager")
    });
  });
});
Example
ajaxUrl String null Set this option to include a url template to use so that the pager plugin can interact with your database (Added v2.1; v2.9).

Here is an example of how to include the option, it should always be paired with an ajaxProcessing function:
$(function(){
  $("table")
    .tablesorter()
    .tablesorterPager({
      ajaxUrl: "http://mydatabase.com?page={page}&size={size}&{sortList:col}&{filterList:fcol}",
      ajaxProcessing: function(ajax){
        // do something with the ajax
        return [ formatted_data, total_rows ];
      }
    });
  });
});
The ajaxUrl template replaces the following tags with values from the tablesorter plugin and pager addon:
TagReplaced with
{page}Zero-based index of the current pager page
{page+1}One-based index of the current pager page (replace "+1" with any number) (e.g. {page+3}) (v2.9).
{size}Number of rows showing, or number of rows to get from the server
{sortList:col} or {sort:col} Adds the current sort to the ajax url string into a "col" array, so your server-side code knows how to sort the data (v2.4.5).
The col portion of the {sortList:col} tag can be any name string (no spaces) to indicate the name of the variable to apply. So if your current sortList is [[2,0],[3,0]], it becomes "&sort[2]=0&sort[3]=0" in the url. {sort:col} shortened tag also works (v2.9).
{filterList:fcol} or {filter:fcol} Adds the value of the current filters to the ajax url string into a "fcol" array, so your server-side code knows how to filter the data (v2.6).
The fcol portion of the {filterList:fcol} tag can be any name string (no spaces) to indicate the name of the variable to apply. So if your current filters are ['','Blue',13], it becomes "&fcol[2]=Blue&fcol[3]=13" in the url. {filter:col} shortened tag also works (v2.9).
Example
customAjaxUrl Function function(table, url) { return url; } This callback function allows you to modify the processed URL as desired (v2.8.1).

The customAjaxUrl function has two parameters, the table DOM element and the processed url string (all tags within the ajaxUrl have been replaced with their appropriate values).
$(function(){
  $("table")
    .tablesorter()
    .tablesorterPager({
      ajaxUrl: "http://mydatabase.com?page={page}&size={size}&{sortList:col}&{filterList:fcol}",
      ajaxProcessing: function(ajax){
        // do something with the ajax
        return [ formatted_data, total_rows ];
      },
      // modify the url after all processing has been applied
      customAjaxUrl: function(table, url) {
        // trigger my custom event
        $(table).trigger('changingUrl');
        // send the server the current page
        return url += '&currntUrl=' + window.location.href;
      }
    });
  });
});
Example
ajaxObject Object { dataType: 'json' } This option contains the ajax settings for the pager interaction with your database (v2.10).

The ajaxObject is completely customizable, except for the `url` setting which is processed using the pager's `ajaxUrl` and `customAjaxUrl` options.

See all possible settings in the jQuery.ajax documentation
$(function(){
  $("table")
    .tablesorter()
    .tablesorterPager({
      ajaxUrl: "http://mydatabase.com?page={page}&size={size}&{sortList:col}&{filterList:fcol}",
      ajaxObject: {
        // add more ajax settings here
        // see http://api.jquery.com/jQuery.ajax/#jQuery-ajax-settings
        dataType: 'json'
      },
      ajaxProcessing: function(ajax){
        // do something with the ajax;
        return [ total_rows ];
      }
    });
  });
});
Example
ajaxProcessing Function null This function is required to return the ajax data obtained from your server into a useable format for tablesorter to apply to the table (v2.1, v2.10).

In v2.10, the returned rows is now optional. And it can either be an array of arrays or a jQuery object (not attached to the table)
Process your ajax data so that the following information is returned:
// [ total_rows (number), rows (array of arrays), headers (array; optional) ]
// or [ rows, total_rows, headers ]
// or [ total_rows, $(rows) ]
// or [ total_rows ]
[
  100, // total rows
  [
    [ "row1cell1", "row1cell2", ... "row1cellN" ],
    [ "row2cell1", "row2cell2", ... "row2cellN" ],
    ...
    [ "rowNcell1", "rowNcell2", ... "rowNcellN" ]
  ],
  [ "header1", "header2", ... "headerN" ] // optional
]
Here is some example JSON (comments added, but not allowed in JSON) which is contained in the City0.json file:
{
  // total rows
  "total_rows": 80,
  // headers
  "cols" : [
    "ID", "Name", "Country Code", "District", "Population"
  ],
  // row data...
  "rows" : [{
    "ID": 1,
    "Name": "Kabul",
    "CountryCode": "AFG",
    "District": "Kabol",
    "Population": 1780000
  }, {
    // row 2, etc...
  }]
}
The above JSON is processed by the following code (this returns an array of array of table rows):
$(function(){
  $("table")
    .tablesorter()
    .tablesorterPager({
      ajaxUrl: "http://mydatabase.com?page={page}&size={size}",
      ajaxProcessing: function(data){
        if (data && data.hasOwnProperty('rows')) {
          var r, row, c, d = data.rows,
          // total number of rows (required)
          total = data.total_rows,
          // array of header names (optional)
          headers = data.cols,
          // all rows: array of arrays; each internal array has the table cell data for that row
          rows = [],
          // len should match pager set size (c.size)
          len = d.length;
          // this will depend on how the json is set up - see City0.json
          // rows
          for ( r = 0; r < len; r++ ) {
            row = []; // new row array
            // cells
            for ( c in d[r] ) {
              if (typeof(c) === "string") {
                row.push(d[r][c]); // add each table cell data to row array
              }
            }
            rows.push(row); // add new row array to rows array
          }
          return [ total, rows, headers ]; // or return [ rows, total, headers ] in v2.9+
        }
      }
    });
});
Or, in tablesorter v2.10, return a jQuery object
ajaxProcessing: function(data, table){
  if (data && data.hasOwnProperty('rows')) {
    var r, row, c, d = data.rows,
    // total number of rows (required)
    total = data.total_rows,
    // array of header names (optional)
    headers = data.headers,
    // all rows: array of arrays; each internal array has the table cell data for that row
    rows = '',
    // len should match pager set size (c.size)
    len = d.length;
    // this will depend on how the json is set up - see City0.json
    // rows
    for ( r=0; r < len; r++ ) {
      rows += '<tr class="ajax-row">'; // new row
      // cells
      for ( c in d[r] ) {
        if (typeof(c) === "string") {
          rows += '<td>' + d[r][c] + '</td>'; // add each table cell data to row
        }
      }
      rows += '</tr>'; // end new row
    }
    // don't attach the $(rows) because it's difficult to tell old from new data
    // and no need to trigger an update method, it's done internally
    return [ total, $(rows), headers ];
  }
}
Or, also in tablesorter v2.10, just build the table yourself and return the total number of rows:
ajaxProcessing: function(data, table){
  if (data && data.hasOwnProperty('rows')) {
    var r, row, c, d = data.rows,
    // total number of rows (required)
    total = data.total_rows,
    // all rows: array of arrays; each internal array has the table cell data for that row
    rows = '',
    // len should match pager set size (c.size)
    len = d.length;
    // this will depend on how the json is set up - see City0.json
    // rows
    for ( r=0; r < len; r++ ) {
      rows += '<tr class="ajax-row">'; // new row
      // cells
      for ( c in d[r] ) {
        if (typeof(c) === "string") {
          rows += '<td>' + d[r][c] + '</td>'; // add each table cell data to row
        }
      }
      rows += '</tr>'; // end new row
    }
    // find first sortable tbody, then add new rows
    table.config.$tbodies.eq(0).html(rows);
    // no need to trigger an update method, it's done internally
    return [ total ];
  }
}
Example
output String "{page}/{totalPages}" This option allows you to format the output display which can show the current page, total pages, filtered pages, current start and end rows, total rows and filtered rows (v2.0.9).

This option replaced the original separator option, which only separated the page number from the total number of pages. The formatted output from this option is placed inside the information block targeted by the cssPageDisplay option.

Use it as follows:
$(function(){
  $("table")
    .tablesorter()
    .tablesorterPager({
      output: '{startRow} to {endRow} of {totalRows} rows'
    });
  });
});
The following tags are replaced within the output string:
TagReplaced with
{page}The current pager page
{totalPages}Total number of pager pages
{filteredPages}Total number of pages left after being filtered
{startRow}Starting row number currently displayed
{endRow}Ending row number currently displayed
{filteredRows}Total number of rows left after being filtered
{totalRows}Total number of rows
Ex: 1 2 3 4
updateArrows Boolean true If true, the addon hides the left pager arrow on the first page and right pager arrow on the last page.

If true the classname from the cssDisabled option is applied to the arrows when at either page extreme.
Example
page Numeric 0 Set the starting page of the pager (zero-based index). Example
size Numeric 10 Set initial number of visible rows. This value is changed by the dropdown selector targeted by the cssPageSize option. Example
savePages Boolean true Saves the current pager page size and number. This option requires the $.tablesorter.storage script in the jquery.tablesorter.widgets.js file (v2.11). Example
fixedHeight Boolean false Maintain the height of the table even when fewer than the set number of records is shown (v2.1; updated 2.7.1).

This option replaced the original positionFixed and offset options which set the absolute position of the pager block.

If true, it should maintain the height of the table, even when viewing fewer than the set number of records (go to the last page of any demo to see this in action). It works by adding an empty row to make up the differences in height.
Example
removeRows Boolean false If true, rows are removed from the table to speed up the sort of large tables (v2.0.21).

The original tablesorter plugin (v2.0.5) removed rows automatically, without providing an option. It really does speed up sorting of very large tables, but also breaks updating and modifying table content dynamically.

If this option is false, the addon only hides the non-visible rows; this is useful if you plan to add/remove rows with the pager enabled.
Example
cssFirst String ".first" This option contains a jQuery selector string pointing to the go to first page arrow. See container for full HTML. Example
cssPrev String ".prev" This option contains a jQuery selector string pointing to the go to previous page arrow. See container for full HTML. Example
cssNext String ".next" This option contains a jQuery selector string pointing to the go to next page arrow. See container for full HTML. Example
cssLast String ".last" This option contains a jQuery selector string pointing to the go to last page arrow. See container for full HTML. Example
cssGoto String ".gotoPage" This option contains a jQuery selector string pointing to the page select dropdown. See container for full HTML (v2.4)

Please note that this select dropdown is initially empty and automatically updated by the plugin with the correct number of pages, which depends on the size setting.
Example
cssPageDisplay String ".pagedisplay" This option contains a jQuery selector string pointing to the output element (v2.0.9)

In the original tablesorter (v2.0.5) this option could only target an input, it was updated (v2.0.9) to display the formatted output from the output option inside of any element (span, div or input).
Example
cssPageSize String ".pagesize" This option contains a jQuery selector string pointing to the page size selector. See container for full HTML. Example
cssErrorRow String "tablesorter-errorRow" This option contains the class name that is applied to the error information row that is added inside the pager with any ajax exceptions.

Note there is no period "." in front of this class name (it is not a selector).
cssDisabled String "disabled" This option contains the class name that is applied to disabled pager controls.

More explicitly, this class is applied to the pager arrows when they are at either extreme of pages and the updateArrows option is true. When the pager has been disabled, this class is applied to all controls.

Note there is no period "." in front of this class name (it is not a selector).

Methods

tablesorter has some methods available to allow updating, resorting or applying widgets to a table after it has been initialized.
TIP! Click on the link in the method column to reveal full details (or toggle|show|hide all) or double click to update the browser location.
Method Description Link
addRows Use this method to add table rows. (v2.0.16).
It does not work the same as "update" in that it only adds rows, it does not remove them.
Also, use this method to add table rows while using the pager plugin. If the "update" method is used, only the visible table rows continue to exist.
// Add multiple rows to the table
  var row = '<tr><td>Inigo</td><td>Montoya</td><td>34</td>' +
    '<td>$19.99</td><td>15%</td><td>Sep 25, 1987 12:00PM</td></tr>',
    $row = $(row),
    // resort table using the current sort; set to false to prevent resort, otherwise
    // any other value in resort will automatically trigger the table resort.
    // A callback method was added in 2.3.9.
    resort = true,
    callback = function(table){
      alert('rows have been added!');
    };
  $('table')
    .find('tbody').append($row)
    .trigger('addRows', [$row, resort, callback]);
Example
sort Use this method to initialize a sort while targeting a specific column header (v2.9).
// Target a specific header
$('table').find('th:eq(2)').trigger('sort');
Using this method will maintain the sorting order; so, if the column is already sorted in ascending order, this method will act as if you manually clicked on the header. Whatever sort order is applied is dependent on other option settings such as initialSortOrder, lockedOrder (set within the headers), sortReset option, sortRestart and will be ignored if the column sort is disabled (sorter: false).
sorton Use this method to sort an initialized table in the desired order.
// Choose a new sort order
var sort = [[0,0],[2,0]],
    callback = function(table){
        alert('new sort applied to ' + table.id);
    };
// Note that the sort value below is inside of another array (inside another set of square brackets)
// A callback method was added in 2.3.9.
$("table").trigger("sorton", [sort, callback]);
Example
sortReset Use this method to reset the table to it's initial unsorted state (v2.4.7).
Don't confuse this method with the sortReset option. This method immediately resets the entire table sort, while the option only resets the column sort after a third click.
// Reset the table (make it unsorted)
$("table").trigger("sortReset");
Example
update / updateRow Update the tbody's stored data (update & updateRow do exactly the same thing)
// Add new content
$("table tbody").append(html);

// let the plugin know that we made a update
// the resort flag set to anything BUT false (no quotes) will trigger an automatic
// table resort using the current sort
// A callback method was added in 2.3.9.
var resort = true,
    callback = function(table){
        alert('new sort applied');
    };
$("table").trigger("update", [resort, callback]);

// As of version 2.0.14, the table will automatically resort after the update (if the "resort" flag is true
// & will use the current sort selection), so include the following if you want to specify a different sort

// set sorting column and direction, this will sort on the first and third column
var sorting = [[2,1],[0,0]];
$("table")
	.trigger("update", [ false ])
	.trigger("sorton", [sorting]);
Example
updateAll Update a column of cells (thead and tbody) (v2.8).
// Change thead & tbody column of cells
// remember, "eq()" is zero based & "nth-child()" is 1 based
$("table thead th:eq(2)").html("Number");
// add some random numbers to the table cell
$("table tbody").find('td:nth-child(3)').html(function(i,h){
  return Math.floor(Math.random()*10) + 1; // random number from 0 to 10
});

var resort = true, // re-apply the current sort
  callback = function(table){
    alert('table updated!');
  };

// let the plugin know that we made a update, then the plugin will
// automatically sort the table based on the header settings
$("table").trigger("updateAll", [ resort, callback ]);
Example
appendCache Update a table that has had its data dynamically changed; used in conjunction with "update".
Use this method when more than just one cell like in the "updateCell" method, but you may possibly have to trigger two events: both "update" and "appendCache".

Note: This is the only method the pager widget uses - the entire table is stored in the cache, but only the visible portion is actually exists in the table.
// Table data was just dynamically changed (more than one cell)
$("table")
  .trigger("update")
  .trigger("appendCache");
updateCell Update a table cell in the tablesorter data.
$(function() {
  $("table").tablesorter();

  $("td.discount").click(function(){

        // Do we want to reapply the current sort on the column?
    var resort = false,
        // Do something after the cell update in this callback function
        callback = function(table){
          /* do something */
        },
        // randomize a number & add it to the cell
        discount = '$' + Math.round(Math.random() * Math.random() * 100) + '.' +
          ('0' + Math.round(Math.random() * Math.random() * 100)).slice(-2);

    // add new table cell text
    $(this).text(discount);

    // update the table, so the tablesorter plugin can update its value
    // set resort flag to false to prevent automatic resort (since we're using a different sort below)
    // leave the resort flag as undefined, or with any other value, to automatically resort the table
    // $("table").trigger("updateCell", [this]); < - resort is undefined so the table WILL resort
    $("table").trigger("updateCell", [this, resort, callback]);

    // As of version 2.0.14, the table will automatically resort (using the current sort selection)
    // after the update, so include the following if you want to specify a different sort

    // set sorting column and direction, this will sort on the first and third column
    var sorting = [[3,1]];
    $("table").trigger("sorton", [sorting]);

    return false;
  });
});
Example
applyWidgetId Apply the selected widget to the table, but the widget will not continue to be applied after each sort. See the example, it's easier than describing it.
$(function(){
  // initialize tablesorter without the widget
  $("table").tablesorter();

  // click a button to apply the zebra striping
  $("button").click(function(){
    $('table').trigger('applyWidgetId', ['zebra']);
    return false;
  });

});
Example
applyWidgets Apply the set widgets to the table. This method can be used after a table has been initialized, but it won't work unless you update the configuration settings. See the example, it's easier than describing it.
// Update the list of widgets to apply to the table (add or remove)
// $("table").data("tablesorter").widgets = ["zebra"]; // works the same as
$("table")[0].config.widgets = ["zebra"];

// This method applies the widget - no need to keep updating
$('table').trigger('applyWidgets');
Example
destroy Use this method to remove tablesorter from the table.
// Remove tablesorter and all classes
$("table").trigger("destroy");

// Remove tablesorter and all classes but the "tablesorter" class on the table
// callback is a function
$("table").trigger("destroy", [false, callback]);
refreshWidgets Refresh the currently applied widgets. Depending on the options, it will completely remove all widgets, then re-initialize the current widgets or just remove all non-current widgets (v2.4).

Trigger this method using either of the following methods (they are equivalent):
// trigger a refresh widget event
$('table').trigger('refreshWidgets', [doAll, dontapply]);

// Use the API directly
$.tablesorter.refreshWidgets(table, doAll, dontapply)
  • If doAll is true it removes all widgets from the table. If false only non-current widgets (from the widgets option) are removed.
  • When done removing widgets, the widget re-initializes the currently selected widgets, unless the dontapply parameter is true leaving the table widget-less.
  • Note that if the widgets option has any named widgets, they will be re-applied to the table when it gets resorted. So if you want to completely remove all widgets from the table, also clear out the widgets option $('table')[0].config.widgets = [];
Example
Widget Methods
getFilters filter: Get the currently applied filters in an array (v2.9):
$.tablesorter.getFilters( $('table') ); // or use $('table.hasFilters') to make sure the table has a filter row
This method returns an array of filter values (e.g. [ '', '', '', '', '', '2?%' ]) or false if the selected table does not have a filter row.
setFilters filter: Set the filters using this method; include a true boolean to actually apply the search (v2.9):
// update filters, but don't apply the search
$.tablesorter.setFilters( $('table'), [ '', '', '', '', '', '2?%' ] );

// update filters, AND apply the search
$.tablesorter.setFilters( $('table'), [ '', '', '', '', '', '2?%' ], true ); // this will now use the search method
This method returns true if the filters were sucessfully applied, or false if the table does not have a filter row.
filterReset filter: Trigger the filter widget to reset the search criteria (v2.7.7).

If you are using the filter_formatter option to add custom input elements, this function may not work on those columns. Please refer to the filter_formatter section for more details.
$(function(){
  // this is the same code that the filter_reset element runs to clear out the filters.
  $('button').click(function(){
    $('table').trigger('filterReset');
    return false;
});
Example
addHeaderResizeEvent Added a resize event to the table headers - used by the stickyHeaders widget, but this is a public function available to any widget (v2.10).

There is no built-in resize event for non-window elements, so when this function is active it triggers a resize event when the header cell changes size. So, if you are writing your own widget and need a header resize event, just include the jquery.tablesorter.widgets.js file, or just the extract the function from that file. Enable these triggered events as follows:
// Enable the triggering of header cell resize events as follows:
var table = $('table')[0],
    disable = false,
    options = {
      timer : 250 // header cell size is checked every 250 milliseconds (1/4 of a second)
    };
$.tablesorter.addHeaderResizeEvent( table, disable, options );
Then use it in your custom widget as follows:
$(table).on('resize', function(event, columns){
  // columns contains an array of header cells that were resized
  // this seemed like a better idea than firing off a resize event for every
  // column when the table adjusts itself to fit within its container
  event.stopPropagation(); // optional
  // do something
  console.log( columns );
});
To disable these resize events, use this code:
// Disable resize event triggering:
var table = $('table')[0];
$.tablesorter.addHeaderResizeEvent( table, true );
saveSortReset Trigger the saveSort widget to clear any saved sorts for that specific table (v2.7.11).
$(function(){
  $('button').click(function(){
    $('table').trigger('saveSortReset');
    return false;
  });
});
Pager Methods
pageSize Trigger the pager to change the page size (v2.7.4).
$(function(){
  $('table').trigger('pageSize', 15);
});
pageSet Trigger the pager to change the current page (v2.7.7).
$(function(){
  $('table').trigger('pageSet', 3);
});
destroy.pager Calling this method will reveal the entire table, remove the pager functionality, and hide the actual pager (v2.0.16).
$(function(){
  $('table').trigger('destroy.pager');
});
The only way to restore the pager is to re-initialize the pager addon
$(function(){
  $('table').tablesorterPager(pagerOptions);
});
Example
disable.pager This method will put the pager into a disabled state (v2.0.21.2).

The disabled state will reveal all table rows and disable, but not hide, pager controls.
$(function(){
  $('table').trigger('disable.pager');
});
Example
enable.pager This method will re-enable the pager, but only from the disabled state (v2.0.21.2).
$(function(){
  $('table').trigger('enable.pager');
});
Example

Events

tablesorter has some methods available to allow updating, resorting or applying widgets to a table after it has been initialized.
TIP! Click on the link in the event column to reveal full details (or toggle|show|hide all) or double click to update the browser location.
Event Description Link
initialized This event fires when tablesorter has completed initialization. (v2.2).
$(function(){

  // bind to initialized event BEFORE initializing tablesorter
  $("table")
    .bind("tablesorter-initialized",function(e, table) {
      // do something after tablesorter has initialized
    });

  // initialize the tablesorter plugin
  $("table").tablesorter({
    // this is equivalent to the above bind method
    initialized : function(table){
      // do something after tablesorter has initialized
    }
  });

});
sortBegin This event fires immediately before tablesorter begins resorting the table.
$(function(){

  // initialize the tablesorter plugin
  $("table").tablesorter();

  // bind to sort events
  $("table").bind("sortBegin",function(e, table) {
    // do something crazy!
  });
});
sortStart This event fires immediately after the tablesorter header has been clicked, initializing a resort.
$(function(){

  // initialize the tablesorter plugin
  $("table").tablesorter();

  // bind to sort events
  $("table")
    .bind("sortStart",function(e, table) {
      $("#overlay").show();
    })
    .bind("sortEnd",function(e, table) {
      $("#overlay").hide();
    });
});
Example
sortEnd This event fires when tablesorter has completed resorting the table.
$(function(){

  // initialize the tablesorter plugin
  $("table").tablesorter();

  // bind to sort events
  $("table")
    .bind("sortStart",function(e, table) {
      $("#overlay").show();
    })
    .bind("sortEnd",function(e, table) {
      $("#overlay").hide();
    });
});
Example
updateComplete This event fires after tablesorter has completed updating. (v.2.3.9)
This occurs after an "update", "updateAll", "updateCell" or "addRows" method was called, but before any callback functions are executed.
$(function(){

  // initialize the tablesorter plugin
  $("table").tablesorter();

  // bind to sort events
  $("table")
    .bind("updateComplete",function(e, table) {
      // do something after the table has been altered;
    });
});
Widget Events
filterInit Event triggered when the filter widget has finished initializing (v2.4).

You can use this event to modify the filter elements (row, inputs and/or selects) as desired. Use it as follows:
$(function(){
  $('table').bind('filterInit', function(){
    $(this).find('tr.tablesorter-filter-row').addClass('fred');
  });
});
Example
filterStart Event triggered when the filter widget has started processing the search (v2.4).

You can use this event to do something like add a class to the filter row. Use it as follows:
$(function(){
  $('table').bind('filterStart', function(){
    $(this).find('tr.tablesorter-filter-row').addClass('filtering');
  });
});
Example
filterEnd Event triggered when the filter widget has finished processing the search (v2.4).

You can use this event to do something like remove the class added to the filter row when the filtering started. Use it as follows:
$(function(){
  $('table').bind('filterEnd', function(){
    $(this).find('tr.tablesorter-filter-row').removeClass('filtering');
  });
});
Example
stickyHeadersInit Event triggered when the stickyHeader widget has finished initializing (v2.10.4).

You can use this event to do something like modify content within the sticky header:
$(function(){
  $('table').bind('stickyHeadersInit', function(){
    // this.config.widgetOptions.$sticky contains the entire sticky header table
    this.config.widgetOptions.$sticky.find('tr.tablesorter-headerRow').addClass('sticky-styling');
  });
});
Pager Events
pagerChange This event fires when the pager plugin begins to render the table on the currently selected page. (v2.0.7).
$(function(){

  // initialize the sorter
  $("table")
    .tablesorter()

    // initialize the pager plugin
    .tablesorterPager({
      container: $("#pager")
    })

    // bind to pager events
    .bind('pagerChange pagerComplete', function(e,c){
      // c.totalPages contains the total number of pages
      $('#display').html( e.type + " event triggered, now on page " + (c.page + 1) );
    });

});
Example
pagerComplete This event fires when the pager plugin has completed its render of the table on the currently selected page. (v2.0.7).
$(function(){

  // initialize the sorter
  $("table")
    .tablesorter()

    // initialize the pager plugin
    .tablesorterPager({
      container: $("#pager")
    })

    // bind to pager events
    .bind('pagerChange pagerComplete', function(e,c){
      // c.totalPages contains the total number of pages
      $('#display').html( e.type + " event triggered, now on page " + (c.page + 1) );
    });

});
Example
pagerBeforeInitialized This event fires after all pager controls have been bound and set up but before the pager formats the table or loads any ajax data (v2.4.4).
$(function(){

  $("table")

    // initialize the sorter
    .tablesorter()

    // bind to pager initialized event BEFORE calling the addon
    .bind('pagerBeforeInitialized', function(e, c){
      // e = event object; c = pager options
    })

    // initialize the pager plugin
    .tablesorterPager({
      container: $("#pager")
    });

});
pagerInitialized This event fires when the pager plugin has completed initialization (v2.4.4).
$(function(){

  $("table")

    // initialize the sorter
    .tablesorter()

    // bind to pager initialized event BEFORE calling the addon
    .bind('pagerInitialized', function(e, c){
      // c.totalPages contains the total number of pages
      $('#display').html( e.type + " event triggered, now on page " + (c.page + 1) );
    })

    // initialize the pager plugin
    .tablesorterPager({
      container: $("#pager")
    });

});
Example
pageMoved This event fires when the pager plugin begins to change to the selected page (v2.4.4).
This event may fire before the pagerComplete event when ajax processing is involved, or after the pagerComplete on normal use. See issue #153.
$(function(){

  // initialize the sorter
  $("table")
    .tablesorter()

    // initialize the pager plugin
    .tablesorterPager({
      container: $("#pager")
    })

    // bind to pager events
    .bind('pageMoved', function(e, c){
      // c.totalPages contains the total number of pages
      $('#display').html( e.type + " event triggered, now on page " + (c.page + 1) );
    });

});
Example

Download

Full release - Plugin, Documentation, Add-ons, Themes. Download: zip or tar.gz

Pick n choose - Place at least the required files in a directory on your webserver that is accessible to a web browser. Record this location.

Required: Optional / Add-Ons: Themes:

Theme zip files have been removed. There are now numerous themes available which can be seen here

Browser Compatibility

tablesorter has been tested successfully in the following browsers with Javascript enabled:

jQuery Browser Compatibility

Support

If you are having a problem with the plugin or you want to submit a feature request, please submit an issue.

If you would like to contribute, fork a copy on github.

Some basic unit testing has been added. If you would like to add more or report a problem, please use the appropriate link above (v2.6).

Support is also available from stackoverflow.

For questions about jQuery, try irc, stackoverflow, or the jQuery forums.

Credits

Written by Christian Bach.

Documentation written by Brian Ghidinelli, based on Mike Alsup's great documention.
Additional & Missing documentation, alphanumeric sort, numerous widgets, unit testing and other changes added by Mottie.

John Resig for the fantastic jQuery