Create and Use Pivot Tables in Google Sheets

Free Google Sheets Course: Mastering Google Sheets – An Introduction

About Lesson

Understanding Pivot Tables

What is a Pivot Table?

A Pivot Table is a dynamic table in Google Sheets that allows you to organize and summarize large datasets effortlessly.

It helps in transforming rows of raw data into a more structured and meaningful format, making it easier to draw insights.

Why Use Pivot Tables?

Pivot Tables are invaluable for:

Summarizing Data: Aggregate and summarize large datasets with ease.
Analyzing Trends: Identify patterns and trends within your data.
Comparing Data: Quickly compare and contrast different data points.
Filtering Data: Easily filter out irrelevant information.

How to Use Pivot Tables

Step 1: Preparing Your Data

Before diving into Pivot Tables, ensure that your data is well-organized. Place your data in a spreadsheet with clear headers, and each column should represent a specific attribute. This will make it easier for the Pivot Table to work its magic.

prepare data

Step 2: Selecting the Data Range

Highlight the entire dataset that you want to include in your Pivot Table. This ensures that the Pivot Table captures all the necessary information for analysis.

select data range

Step 3: Inserting a Pivot Table

Go to the “Insert” menu in Google Sheets and select “Pivot table“. A new window will appear, prompting you to choose the data range. Ensure that the range is correctly selected, and choose whether you want to place the Pivot Table in a new sheet or an existing one.

create pivot

Step 4: Configuring Rows and Columns

In the Pivot Table editor, you will see options to add fields to rows, columns, values, and filters. Drag and drop the fields into the respective areas to structure your data. For example, you might want to see sales data by product category (rows) and month (columns).

configure rows

Step 5: Summarizing Data

In the “Values” area of the Pivot Table editor, select the type of summary function you want to apply to your data. Common options include SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, etc. This step transforms your raw data into meaningful insights, providing a quick overview of the selected metrics.

summarize data

Step 6: Applying Filters

To narrow down your analysis, you can add filters to your Pivot Table. This allows you to focus on specific subsets of data, making it easier to identify trends or patterns.

apply filters to data

Step 7: Customizing Pivot Table Appearance

Google Sheets provides various customization options for your Pivot Table. Experiment with different styles, themes, and formatting to make your data visually appealing and easy to interpret.

Step 8: Updating Pivot Table Data

If your source data changes, you can easily update your Pivot Table. Right-click on the Pivot Table and select “Refresh.” This ensures that your analysis reflects the most recent information.

For example, I have a table that has columns of date, product, sales, and region. Watch the video below to see how I turned this bland table into an informative one!

Video Tutorial

View the video tutorial on how to create and use pivot tables in Google Sheets.

Advanced Pivot Table Features

Grouping Data

Grouping data allows you to categorize information by ranges or specific criteria, providing a clearer view of trends within your dataset.

grouping data

Calculated Fields

Create new fields based on existing ones using calculated fields. This is useful for performing custom calculations tailored to your analysis.

calculated fields