Python program to insert an element into sorted list Last Updated : 11 Jul, 2025 Comments Improve Suggest changes Like Article Like Report Inserting an element into a sorted list while maintaining the order is a common task in Python. It can be efficiently performed using built-in methods or custom logic. In this article, we will explore different approaches to achieve this.Using bisect.insort bisect module provides the insort function which inserts an element into a sorted list at the correct position, bisect.insort and performs a binary search to find the correct position which makes it more efficient than manual iteration. Python import bisect a = [1, 3, 4, 7, 10] # Insert 5 into the list bisect.insort(a, 5) print(a) Output[1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10] Let's explore some methods to insert an element into sorted list.Table of ContentUsing LoopUsing List ComprehensionUsing Sorting After AppendingUsing LoopThis approach involves manually iterating through the list to find the appropriate position for the new element and then using the insert method. Python # Sorted list a = [2, 5, 8, 12] b = 10 # Find the correct position for i in range(len(a)): if b < a[i]: a.insert(i, b) break else: lst.append(b) print(a) Output[2, 5, 8, 10, 12] Using List ComprehensionList comprehension can be combined with slicing to create a new sorted list with the element inserted. This method separates the list into parts based on comparison and combines them with the new element. Python a = [3, 6, 9, 15] # Element to insert b = 8 # Insert element and create new list new_lst = [x for x in a if x < b] + [b] + [x for x in a if x >= b] print(new_lst) Output[3, 6, 8, 9, 15] Using Sorting After AppendingThe element is appended to the list and then the list is sorted to restore order. Sorting ensures the list remains ordered after insertion. It is used for simplicity when list size is small. Python a = [4, 7, 11, 14] # Append and sort a.append(9) a.sort() print(a) Output[4, 7, 9, 11, 14] Comment More info S Smitha Dinesh Semwal Follow Improve Article Tags : Python Python Programs python-list Python list-programs Explore Python FundamentalsPython Introduction 3 min read Input and Output in Python 4 min read Python Variables 5 min read Python Operators 5 min read Python Keywords 2 min read Python Data Types 7 min read Conditional Statements in Python 3 min read Loops in Python - For, While and Nested Loops 6 min read Python Functions 5 min read Recursion in Python 4 min read Python Lambda Functions 5 min read Python Data StructuresPython String 5 min read Python Lists 4 min read Python Tuples 4 min read Python Dictionary 3 min read Python Sets 6 min read Python Arrays 7 min read List Comprehension in Python 4 min read Advanced PythonPython OOP Concepts 11 min read Python Exception Handling 5 min read File Handling in Python 4 min read Python Database Tutorial 4 min read Python MongoDB Tutorial 2 min read Python MySQL 9 min read Python Packages 12 min read Python Modules 7 min read Python DSA Libraries 15 min read List of Python GUI Library and Packages 3 min read Data Science with PythonNumPy Tutorial - Python Library 3 min read Pandas Tutorial 6 min read Matplotlib Tutorial 5 min read Python Seaborn Tutorial 15+ min read StatsModel Library- Tutorial 4 min read Learning Model Building in Scikit-learn 8 min read TensorFlow Tutorial 2 min read PyTorch Tutorial 7 min read Web Development with PythonFlask Tutorial 8 min read Django Tutorial | Learn Django Framework 7 min read Django ORM - Inserting, Updating & Deleting Data 4 min read Templating With Jinja2 in Flask 6 min read Django Templates 7 min read Python | Build a REST API using Flask 3 min read How to Create a basic API using Django Rest Framework ? 4 min read Python PracticePython Quiz 3 min read Python Coding Practice 1 min read Python Interview Questions and Answers 15+ min read Like