10 Proven Tips to Master Pivot Tables in Excel

TLDRLearn 10 proven tips to master pivot tables in Excel and save time and effort. Discover how to create pivot tables with just two clicks, adjust pivot table fields and settings, use the timeline feature, create hidden pivot tables, show top or bottom values, correct fields directly in the pivot table, repeat labels or center them, custom sort by dragging or typing, calculate differences from previous periods, and disable double-click.

Key insights

💡Create pivot tables with just two clicks using Recommended Tables.

⚙️Adjust pivot table fields and layout to easily locate columns and customize the display.

📅Use the timeline feature to analyze data based on dates.

👥Create hidden pivot tables for interactive data control.

🔝Show top or bottom values in your pivot table for focused analysis.

Q&A

How can I create a pivot table with just two clicks?

Click on Recommended Tables in the Insert tab and select the desired table, such as 'Salesperson by Sum of Sales'.

How can I adjust the layout and settings of my pivot table?

Click on the gear icon in the pivot table field tools and explore options like sorting columns by A to Z and customizing the layout.

How can I use the timeline feature in a pivot table?

Go to PivotTable Analyze, select 'Insert Timeline', and choose the appropriate date field to analyze your data.

What is a hidden pivot table?

A hidden pivot table is a way to control data in a non-visible pivot table by using slicers that interact with formulas.

How can I show only the top or bottom values in a pivot table?

Go to Value Filters, select 'Top N' or 'Bottom N', and choose the number of items to display.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Pivot tables are one of the most used features in Excel as they save time and effort in data analysis.

00:23Tip #1: Create pivot tables with just two clicks using Recommended Tables in the Insert tab.

01:06Tip #2: Adjust pivot table fields and layout for easier data analysis and customization.

02:06Tip #3: Use the timeline feature to analyze data based on dates in your pivot table.

03:16Tip #4: Create hidden pivot tables for interactive data control using slicers.

04:56Tip #5: Show top or bottom values in your pivot table for focused analysis.

06:36Tip #6: Type over fields in the pivot table to correct them directly.

08:15Tip #7: Choose between repeating labels or centering them in your pivot table layout.

08:54Tip #8: Custom sort your pivot table by dragging or typing to arrange data as desired.

09:00Tip #9: Calculate the difference from the previous period in your pivot table using formula-based fields.

10:30Tip #10: Disable double-clicking to view pivot table details and maintain the current view.