Let’s take a look. Let’s start first with the data that goes into a pivot table. This data is referred to as Source data. Source data contains rows and columns, and each column represents a Field available in the pivot table. So, for example, in this case, there are 9 columns, which translates into 9 fields that are part of the source data. Now let’s look at the pivot table in this worksheet. When you’re working with a pivot table, the Pivot Table Field List window appears when the cursor is inside the table. In this window, you’ll see a list of all fields that appear in the Source Data. Looking at the pivot table itself, we see Grand Totals at the bottom and to the right. Grand totals can be enabled for rows and columns separately, and they can be disabled completely. Subtotals can be enabled or disabled for each grouping in a pivot table. Down the left of the pivot table, you’ll find Row labels. When a field is added to the Row Labels area in the field list, each value it contains is displayed as a Row in the Pivot table. Across the top of the pivot table are Column labels. When a field is added to the Column Labels area in the field list, the values it contains are displayed as a column in the table. An Item is a special name for the values that appear in Column or Row labels. For example, East, Midwest, South, and West are four items that appear as Row Labels in the Region field. A Group is a collection of items displayed as a single item. In this case, values in the Date field have been grouped into the years 2011, 2012, and 2013. A Report Filter is a filter that operates on the entire pivot table. In this case, the Customer field has been added as a Report Filter. Finally, Field Headers are labels that identify fields in the pivot table. They can be enabled or disabled.
Dave Bruns
Hi - I’m Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.
