PHP 8 reference · Array Sorting Functions

PHP arsort() Function

Sort an array by value in descending order, keeping each key attached to its value. Great for leaderboards.

Create a free account to save this page, take notes and track your progress. Sign in

Syntax

arsort(array &$array, int $flags = SORT_REGULAR): true

Parameter	Description
`array`	The array to sort (changed in place).
`flags` optional	`SORT_REGULAR`, `SORT_NUMERIC`, `SORT_STRING`, `SORT_NATURAL`, optionally `\| SORT_FLAG_CASE`. Default: `SORT_REGULAR`

Always true.

LeaderboardTry it yourself

<?php
$scores = ["ann" => 72, "bob" => 95, "cal" => 88];
arsort($scores);
print_r($scores);

Output

Array
(
    [bob] => 95
    [cal] => 88
    [ann] => 72
)

Most frequent firstTry it yourself

<?php
$votes = array_count_values(["php", "go", "php", "sql", "php", "go"]);
arsort($votes);
echo array_key_first($votes), " wins\n";

Output

php wins

Version	Change
PHP 4.0	Added
PHP 8.0	Sorting is stable: elements that compare equal keep their original order.
PHP 8.2	The return type is `true` (it was `bool`).

asort() · Sort an array by value in ascending order, keeping each key attached to its value. Ideal for name => score maps.
rsort() · Sort an array's values in descending order, in place. Keys are discarded and the result is renumbered from 0.
krsort() · Sort an array by key in descending order, keeping each value with its key.
array_count_values() · Count how many times each value occurs in an array, returning value => count pairs.
PHP Arrays · tutorial
PHP Array Functions · tutorial