In general terms, Ascending means smallest to largest, 0 to 9, and/or A to Z and Descending means largest to smallest, 9 to 0, and/or Z to A.

Ascending order means the smallest or first or earliest in the order will appear at the top of the list:

For numbers or amounts, the sort is smallest to largest. Lower numbers or amounts will be at the top of the list.

For letters/words, the sort is alphabetical from A to Z.

For data with numbers and letters/words, such as address lines, the sort is most likely alphanumeric meaning 0-9 is sorted first then followed by A-Z.

For dates, the sort will be oldest/earliest dates to most recent. The oldest dates will be at the top of the list.

Descending order means the largest or last in the order will appear at the top of the list:

For numbers or amounts, the sort is largest to smallest. Higher numbers or amounts will be at the top of the list.

For letters/words, the sort is alphabetical from Z to A.

For data with numbers and letters/words, such as address lines, the sort is most likely alphanumeric meaning Z to A is sorted first then followed by 9-0.

For dates, the sort will be most recent dates to the oldest/earliest dates. The most recent/latest dates will be at the top of the list.