PivotTable Tutorial1
PivotTable Tutorial1
Instructions for screen readers: Make your first PivotTable. PivotTables are not as hard as you think. After you go through 21 more sheets in
this tutorial, you'll learn how to quickly create one. The instructions for each sheet start in cell A1, and each subsequent step is in cell A2, A3,
and so on.
The instructions will indicate which cells to navigate to for use of a feature, or further reading.
To start, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN.
Go back to top by pressing CTRL+HOME. To start the tour, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN.
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What is a PivotTable? In its most basic form, a PivotTable takes data and summarizes it so you can make sense of it, all without typing any formulas!
What
Cells is a E17
B10 through PivotTable? In itsare
contain Data. There most basic form,
four columns: a PivotTable
Date, Buyer, takes Each
Type, and Amount. data andhas
column summarizes
various values itforso you
each row.can
Cells H10 through I14 contain a PivotTable which summarizes the data. The PivotTable has two columns: Buyer and Sum of Amount. The Buyer column contains the values Dad, Mom, Kelly, and Grand Total; The Sum of Amount column contains the values $20, $544, $270, and $834.
make sense of it, all without typing any formulas!
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
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That was a simple example. Here's a more sophisticated one. This one shows the spending amounts broken down by type of purchase and by buyer.
That
Cells was aE17
B10 through simple example.
contain Data. There areHere's a more
four columns: Date,sophisticated one. This
Buyer, Type, and Amount. Eachone shows
column the values
has various spending
for each row.
Cells G10 through K18 contain a more sophisticated PivotTable which summarizes the data. The PivotTable has five columns: Type, Dad, Kelly, Mom, and Grand Total. The Type column contains the values Books, Food, Fuel, Music, Sports, and Tickets. The Dad, Kelly, and Mom columns contain various dollar amounts, and the Grand Total column contains the total dollar amounts for each Type.
amounts broken down by type of purchase and by buyer.
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There are also PivotCharts, which are a more visual way to summarize and make sense of the data. We won't be covering these, but for now, just know that they're possible to do.
There
Cells are also
B10 through PivotCharts,
E17 contain which
Data. There are are a more
four columns: visual
Date, Buyer, way
Type, andto summarize
Amount. and
Each column hasmake
varioussense ofeach
values for therow.
To the right of the data is a PivotChart which summarizes and visualizes the data. To select it, press ALT+H, FD, P. Then use your arrows keys to move to PivotChartExample and press Enter. When you're done, press CTRL G, type A4, then Enter.
data. We won't be covering these, but for now, just know that they're possible to do.
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But let's back up. The first step to making a good PivotTable is to make sure the data is in good shape. So, make sure you do the following before you make one:
But
Cells B10 let's back
through up. The
E17 contain Data. first
Therestep tocolumns:
are four making a good
Date, PivotTable
Buyer, Type, and Amount.is to make
Each sure
column the data
has values, is in good
no duplicates, and no blanks.
There is a label pointing to the columns that says, "Name your columns." There is also a label pointing to the rows that says, "And make sure there are no duplicate rows, or blank cells."
shape. So, make sure you do the following before you make one:
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Something to keep in mind: Lots of people use the word "column." But to a PivotTable, a column is a "field." Remember this as you progress with the tutorial.
Something
Cells tocontain
B10 through E17 keepData.in There
mind:are Lots of people
four columns: use the
Date, Buyer, Type,word column.
and Amount. EachBut
columnto has
a PivotTable,
a label pointingatocolumn
it that saysis"Field."
a field. Try to remember this as you progress with the tutorial.
GOOD TO KNOW: Why the word "field"? It's just a traditional term used when working with data and database applications. The PivotTable menus and buttons use the word "field" a lot. So if you get used to it now, it will make things easier as you make PivotTables.
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Let's focus on one of the fields. One of the fields below, the Amount field, is probably the most important. Wouldn't it be great if it was summed up?
Let's
Cells focusE17
B10 through oncontain
oneData.of the
Therefields. One ofDate,
are four columns: the Buyer,
fieldsType,
below, the Amount
and Amount. The Amountfield, is probably
column the most
has a label pointing to it that says "This field should be summed up."
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important. Wouldn't it be great if it was summed up?
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So we did that. We summed up the Amount field with a PivotTable. (Really?) Yes. Sum of Amount and $834 make up a small PivotTable that totals up the Amount field.
So
Cells B10we did E17
through that. WeData.
contain summed
There areup
fourthe Amount
columns: field Type,
Date, Buyer, withand
a PivotTable. (Really?)
Amount. Each column Yes. Sum
has various valuesof
forAmount
each row.
and $834 make up a small PivotTable that totals up the Amount field.
Cells H10 and H11 contain a PivotTable which totals the Amount column. The PivotTable has one column: Sum of Amount. And that column only has one value: $834. There is a label pointing to the PivotTable that says, "It may not look like much, but this is a PivotTable."
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
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Why make such a small PivotTable? Because it emphasizes the concept of a PivotTable value
Why make such a small PivotTable? Because it emphasizes the concept of a PivotTable value field. If one of the fields in your data contains numeric values, a PivotTable can total it up. When it does this, it's called a PivotTable value field.
Cells B11 through E18 contain Data. There are four columns: Date, Buyer, Type, and Amount. Each column has various values for each row. There is a label pointing to the Amount column that says, "This field contains numeric values…"
field
Cells H11. and
If one of thea fields
H12 contain in which
PivotTable yourtotals
datathecontains numeric
Amount column. values, has
The PivotTable a PivotTable canoftotal
one column: Sum Amount. it up. When
And that it only has one value: $834. There is a label pointing to the PivotTable that says, "…and this PivotTable made it into a 'value field.'"
column
To does
continue this,
with it's
this called a PivotTable
tutorial, press value To
CTRL+PAGE DOWN. field . the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
go to
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PivotTables start getting interesting when you add conditions that divide or break down the value field. In this case, we added a new condition of Buyer to divide the value field.
PivotTables
Cells B11 through E18start
containgetting
Data. Thereinteresting when
are four columns: you add
Date, Buyer, Type,conditions thatcolumn
and Amount. Each divide hasor break
various down
values therow.
for each value
field. In this case, we added a new condition of Buyer to divide the value field.
Cells H11 through I15 contain a PivotTable which summarizes the data. The PivotTable has two columns: Buyer and Sum of Amount. The Buyer column contains the values Dad, Kelly, Mom, and Grand Total; the Sum of Amount column contains the values $20, $270, $544, and $834. There is a label pointing to the Buyer column that says, "We added a condition here to divide the value field by 'Buyer.'" There is also a label that points to the Sum of Amount column that says "Value field."
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
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And here's another version of the PivotTable, but this time we added the condition of Type to see how much was spent for each type of purchase.
And
Cells here's
B10 through E17another
contain Data.version ofcolumns:
There are four the PivotTable, but
Date, Buyer, Type, andthis time
Amount. Eachwe added
column the values
has various condition of
for each row.
Type to see how much was spent for each type of purchase.
Cells H10 through I17 contain a PivotTable which summarizes the data. The PivotTable has two columns: Type and Sum of Amount. The Type column contains the values Books, Food, Fuel, Music, Sports, Tickets, and Grand Total; the Sum of Amount column contains the values $125, $470, $74, $20, $20, $125, and $834. There is a label pointing to the Type column that says, "We added a condition here to divide the value field by 'Type.'" There is also a label that points to the Sum of Amount column that says, "Value field."
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
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Another PivotTable term: The conditions we've added so far are called PivotTable row fields. In these examples, the row field breaks down, or divides, the value field.
Another
Cells B10 throughPivotTable
E17 contain Data.term: The
There are conditions
four we've
columns: Date, Buyer, added
Type, and so far are
Amount. Each called PivotTable
column has row
various values fields
for each . In
row.
these examples, the row field breaks down, or divides, the value field.
Cells H10 through I14 contain a PivotTable which summarizes the data. The PivotTable has two columns: Buyer, and Sum of Amount. The Buyer column contains the values Dad, Kelly, Mom, and Grand Total; the Sum of Amount column contains the values $20, $270, $544, and $834. There is a label pointing to the Buyer column that says, "Row field." There is also a label that points to the Sum of Amount column that says "Value field."
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
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Let's review. You'll learn how to actually make a PivotTable in a few moments. But let's review the concepts we've taught you so far:
LET'S REVIEW
Cells B10 through E17 contain Data. There are four columns: Date, Buyer, Type, and Amount. Each column has various values for each row. There is a label pointing to the data that says, "First start with good data."
Cells H10 through I14 contain a PivotTable which summarizes the data.
TheYou'll learnhashow
PivotTable to actually
two columns: make
Buyer, a PivotTable
and Sum in aBuyer
of Amount. The fewcolumn
moments.
containsBut
thelet's review
values theMom,
Dad, Kelly, concepts we've
and Grand taught
Total. The Sum of Amount column contains the values $20, $270, $544 and $834. There is a label pointing to the Buyer column that says, "A 'row field' breaks down..." There is also a label that points to the Sum of Amount column that says, "...a 'value field.'"
To you so far:
continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
First, start with good data. A row field breaks down... a value field.
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When you create a PivotTable in a moment, you'll see the PivotTable Fields List. It's not just a list though, it's a more like a panel. At the top you'll see the fields from your data.
When
Cells youF21
C14 through create
containaData.
PivotTable
There are fourincolumns:
a moment, you'll
Date, Buyer, Type,see the PivotTable
and Amount. Each columnFields List.values
has various It's not justrow.
for each a
There is a label pointing to the data fields that says, "Excel looks at your data..."
list though, it's a more like a panel. At the top you'll see the fields from your data.
There is an arrow that starts at the top of the field names and points to the same field names in a picture of the PivotTable Fields List.
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
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Type)
don't
contain
numerical
values, so
they
aren't the
best ones
to usedo
Don't forthis now but in a couple steps, you'll work with a PivotTable. The first thing you'll do is create a value field. You'll do that by dragging the Amount field to the Values area.
the value
A Don't
PivotTable
field. do this
Fields nowshows
List image but in a couple
an arrow cursor steps,
dragging you'll work
the Amount with
field a Values
to the PivotTable.
area. The first thing you'll do is
create a value field. You'll do that by dragging the Amount field to the Values area.
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
BEST PRACTICE
If you're ever unsure how to start a
PivotTable, think about creating the value
field first.
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After you drag the field to the Values area, "Sum of Am..." will appear at the bottom of the PivotTable Fields List. (Sometimes Excel doesn't have room to show the full name, which is really "Sum of Amount.")
After you drag the field to the Values area, "Sum of Am..." will appear at the bottom of the
Cells E12 and E13 contain a PivotTable which totals the Amount column. The PivotTable has one column: Sum of Amount. And that column only has one value: $834. There is a label pointing to the PivotTable that says, "Creating a value field sums up the 'Amount' field and makes a small PivotTable like this."
PivotTable
PivotTable Fields
Fields List imageList.
shows(Sometimes
"Sum of Am…" Excel doesn't
highlighted have area.
in the Values room to show the full name, which is really
To "Sum
continueof Amount.")
with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
Sum of Amount
$834
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Then you'll want a condition to divide the value field by. And to do that, you drag any of the other fields down to the Rows area.
Then Fields
PivotTable you'll
Listwant a condition
image shows to divide
an arrow cursor theBuyer
dragging the value field
field to by. area.
the Rows AndThetoRows
do that,
area is you'd drag any of
highlighted.
the other fields down to the Rows area.
Cells E12 and E13 contain a PivotTable which totals the Amount column. The PivotTable has one column: Sum of Amount. And that column only has one value: $834.
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
Sum of Amount
$834
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Now that the Buyer field is in the Rows area, you'll see that the PivotTable shows each buyer's amount. You'll see how easy this is in a second...and the great part about this is it doesn't require typing any formulas!
Now that the Buyer field is in the Rows area, you'll see that the PivotTable shows each buyer's amount.
Cells D12 and E16 contain a PivotTable. The PivotTable has two columns: Row Labels and Sum of Amount. Row Labels contains the values Dad, Kelly, Mom, and Grand Total. Sum of Amount contains the values $20, $270, $544, and $834.
You'll
There see how
is a label easy
pointing this
to the Rowis Labels
in a second...and
column that says,the
"Thegreat part
row field aboutanother
'Buyer'"; this islabel
it doesn't
points to require typing
the Sum of Amountany
column that says, "Divides the value field 'Sum of Amount.'"
formulas!
A PivotTable Fields List image shows "Buyer" highlighted in the Rows area.
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. To go to the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
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WORK WITH THE PIVOTTABLE FIELDS LIST
WORK WITH THE PIVOTTABLE FIELDS LIST
Cells B14 through E21 contain Data. There are four columns: Date, Buyer, Type, and Amount. Each column has various values for each row.
1. In cells H14 through J31 is the PivotTable Area. Navigate to any of those cells.
2. Press ALT+JT, L to launch the PivotTable Fields List. Focus will default to the Search text box: "Type words to search for" edit. Do not type anything, instead, tab once.
1 your
3. Press Below
arrowand totothe
keys 2 The
move to the Amount PivotTable
field. Press SPACEBAR to add 3 the Amount
Drag the
fieldAmount field area. 4
to the Values Drag the Buyer
right,keys
4. Press arrows to move to the Buyer field.Fields
is the list shouldto add the Buyer field
Press SPACEBAR down to Rows
to the area. Press ESC key to exitfield
the Values down to
PivotTable the pane.
Fields
Note: AfterPivotTable
you complete Area. appear
steps 3 and 4, you may have toonmake
the the
right.columns wider toarea. Rows area.
see all of the text and numbers in the PivotTable. (This is a common "extra step" you have to do after creating a PivotTable.)
To continueClick this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGEIfDOWN.
withanywhere you don't
To gosee
to it,
the previous sheet, press CTRL+PAGE UP.
inside that area. right-click the
PivotTable Area, and
then click Show
Field List.
l would
n a new
o the left.
d name
et" and
sign a
r to it
2", "13,"
u can
ata, and typically people
double-
ut PivotTables on the
putting them on a new
he name,
me it
ing else
Table."
Next
ething else like "PivotTable."
to put PivotTables on the same sheet as the data. But most of the time, PivotTables need a lot of space, so putting them on a new sheet i
putting them on a new sheet is a good idea.
MAKE A PIVOTTABLE FROM SCRATCH
MAKE A PIVOTTABLE FROM SCRATCH
Cells B15 through E22 contain Data. There are four columns: Date, Buyer, Type, and Amount. Each column has various values
1. Navigate to any of the data cells.
2. Remember that after step 4, a new sheet will be created. And when that happens, remember to use ALT+JT, L to open the P
1 ALT+N,V
3. Press Click anywhere 2 Remember
to access the Create PivotTable dialog box. that after 3 At the top of Excel,
inside
4. Press ENTER to the data
accept the default options. step 4, a new sheet click the Insert tab,
below. will be created.
To continue with this tutorial, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN. and
Andprevious sheet,
To go to the then
press click the UP.
CTRL+PAGE
when that happens, PivotTable button.
remember to drag
Amount to the
Values area, and
Buyer to the Rows
area.
Previous
unt. Each column has various values for each row.
member to use ALT+JT, L to open the PivotTable Fields List if it's not open already. Then add the Amount field to the Values area, and Buyer
e top of Excel, 4 In the dialog box
the Insert tab, that appears, click
hen click the
ss CTRL+PAGE UP. OK.
Table button.
Next
the Values area, and Buyer to the Rows area.
Good job. You made it.
But keep going! There's more to learn…
More Pivot info: Discover more you can do by reading this helpful article on PivotTables.
Clean data is key: Excel can help. Check out this article to learn more about Get & Transform.
Good job. You made it.
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