Using PivotTables to answer questions

Consider the example below. Let’s say we wanted to answer the question What is the amount sold by each salesperson? Answering it could be time consuming and difficult; each salesperson appears on multiple rows, and we would need to total all of their different orders individually. We could use the Subtotal command to help find the total for each salesperson, but we would still have a lot of data to work with.

Fortunately, a PivotTable can instantly calculate and summarize the data in a way that will make it much easier to read. When we’re done, the PivotTable will look something like this:

Once you’ve created a PivotTable, you can use it to answer different questions by rearranging—or pivoting—the data. For example, let’s say we wanted to answer What is the total amount sold in each month? We could modify our PivotTable to look like this:

To create a PivotTable:

1. Select the table or cells (including column headers) you want to include in your PivotTable.
   
2. From the Insert tab, click the PivotTable command.
   
3. The Create PivotTable dialog box will appear. Choose your settings, then click OK. In our example, we’ll use Table1 as our source data and place the PivotTable on a new worksheet.
   
4. A blank PivotTable and Field List will appear on a new worksheet.
   
5. Once you create a PivotTable, you’ll need to decide which fields to add. Each field is simply a column header from the source data. In the PivotTable Field List, check the box for each field you want to add. In our example, we want to know the total amount sold by each salesperson, so we’ll check the Salesperson and Order Amount fields.
   
6. The selected fields will be added to one of the four areas below. In our example, the Salesperson field has been added to the Rows area, while Order Amount has been added to Values. Alternatively, you can drag and drop fields directly into the desired area.
   
7. The PivotTable will calculate and summarize the selected fields. In our example, the PivotTable shows the amount sold by each salesperson.
   

Just like with normal spreadsheets, you can sort the data in a PivotTable using the Sort & Filter command on the Home tab. You can also apply any type of number formatting you want. For example, you may want to change the number format to Currency. However, be aware that some types of formatting may disappear when you modify the PivotTable.

If you change any of the data in your source worksheet, the PivotTable will not update automatically. To manually update it, select the PivotTable and then go to AnalyzeRefresh.

Pivoting data

One of the best things about PivotTables is that they can quickly pivot—or reorganize—your data, allowing you to examine your worksheet in several ways. Pivoting data can help you answer different questions and even experiment with your data to discover new trends and patterns.

To add columns:

So far, our PivotTable has only shown one column of data at a time. In order to show multiple columns, you’ll need to add a field to the Columns area.

1. Drag a field from the Field List into the Columns area. In our example, we’ll use the Month field.
   
2. The PivotTable will include multiple columns. In our example, there is now a column for each person’s monthly sales, in addition to the grand total.
   

To change a row or column:

Changing a row or column can give you a completely different perspective on your data. All you have to do is remove the field in question, then replace it with another.

1. Drag the field you want to remove out of its current area. You can also uncheck the appropriate box in the Field List. In this example, we’ve removed the Month and Salesperson fields.
   
2. Drag a new field into the desired area. In our example, we’ll place the Region field under Rows.
   
3. The PivotTable will adjust—or pivot—to show the new data. In our example, it now shows the amount sold by each region.