Default Sort Ascend
This plugin changes the default order of queries generating posts from descending to ascending.
The facts
- Rating
- 4.9★ from 7
- Active installs
- 400+
- Price
- Free
- Last updated
- 1 Apr 2026
- Added
- Sep 2007
- Requires WP
- 2.0
- Tested up to
- WP 6.9.7
- Downloads
- 14,531
Our analysis
AI-assistedDefault Sort Ascend is a WordPress plugin that changes the default sorting order of posts from descending to ascending. This is useful for users who prefer to display posts in chronological order, particularly for certain types of content or themes.
When activated, the plugin affects all queries on the site, including the home page and archives. Users should note that the effectiveness of this change can vary depending on the theme being used, as some themes may have navigation labels that could lead to confusion regarding the order of posts.
Best for: This plugin suits WordPress users who want to display their posts in ascending order.
What it does well
- ✓Changes default post order to ascending
- ✓Affects all queries including home page and archives
- ✓Easy to activate and deactivate
Where it falls short
- •Effectiveness varies by theme
- •Some themes may cause confusion with navigation labels
Verdict
Default Sort Ascend offers a straightforward solution for changing post order, but its usability can depend heavily on the chosen theme.
From the developer
rdsteed's own description of Default Sort Ascend, lightly tidied.
By default, the sort order for queries in WordPress is descending. This will produce posts in reverse chronological order, the desired result for most blogs.
In some cases, it may be desirable to have posts in ascending order. When activated, this plugin changes the default order from descending to ascending. This affects all queries (home page, archives, dates, etc). Deactivating the plugin returns the default order to descending.
IF YOU DON’T LIKE THE RESULT, IT’S THE THEME
How well this works out varies from theme to theme. Depending on a theme’s navigation labels for posts, things may or may not make sense. If labels are “Earlier” and “Later”, things will seem backwards. Some themes make sense either way. For example, in the “Twenty Fifteen” theme, “Previous” is above “Next”, suggesting list order rather than time.