How To Fix SY263 - More than & sort criteria not allowed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SY - ABAP/4 system messages

• Message number: 263

• Message text: More than & sort criteria not allowed

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SY263 - More than & sort criteria not allowed ?

  The SAP error message SY263 ("More than & sort criteria not allowed") typically occurs when a user attempts to sort data in a way that exceeds the system's limitations on the number of sort criteria that can be applied in a particular context. This is often encountered in reports, queries, or data retrieval operations where sorting is involved.
  Cause:
  The error is triggered when the number of sort criteria specified exceeds the maximum allowed limit set by SAP. This limit can vary depending on the specific transaction or report being used, but generally, it is common to have a limit of 5 or 6 sort criteria.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Reduce Sort Criteria: Review the sort criteria you have specified and reduce the number to comply with the system's limit. Focus on the most important fields for sorting and remove any unnecessary ones.
  
  
  Reorganize Sorting Logic: If you need to sort by multiple fields, consider whether you can achieve the desired output by sorting in a different order or by combining some criteria.
  
  
  Use Alternative Methods: If the report or transaction allows, consider using filtering or grouping instead of sorting to achieve the desired data presentation.
  
  
  Check Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation or help files for the specific transaction or report you are using to understand the limitations and best practices for sorting.
  
  
  Consult with SAP Support: If you are unsure about the limits or need further assistance, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting SAP Notes for any updates or patches that might address this issue.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might provide additional context or solutions for this error.
  Transaction Codes: The error may occur in various transaction codes (e.g., SE16, SE11, or custom reports). Understanding the context in which the error occurs can help in troubleshooting.
  Performance Considerations: Excessive sorting can impact performance, so it's generally a good practice to limit the number of sort criteria to what is necessary for your analysis.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the SY263 error and successfully execute your report or data retrieval operation.