Learn Pivot Tables in 6 Minutes (Microsoft Excel)

About this video

• Video Title: Learn Pivot Tables in 6 Minutes (Microsoft Excel)
• Channel: Cody Baldwin
• Speakers: Cody Baldwin
• Duration: 00:06:22

Overview

This video provides a concise, six-minute tutorial on how to create and utilize pivot tables in Microsoft Excel. It explains that pivot tables automatically summarize data, allowing users to analyze it in various ways without manual calculation. The tutorial covers inserting recommended and blank pivot tables, manipulating fields (like total cost, quantity, product number, and order category) into filters, columns, rows, and values, and formatting the output for better readability and interpretation.

Key takeaways

• Automatic Data Summarization: Pivot tables in Excel automate the process of summarizing large datasets, eliminating the need for manual calculations.
• Data Exploration: They allow users to "slice and dice" data in numerous ways to gain insights.
• Creating a Pivot Table: Pivot tables can be inserted via the "Insert" tab, choosing either "Recommended Pivot Tables" for pre-designed summaries or "Blank Pivot Table" for custom creation.
• Pivot Table Fields: The pivot table interface includes fields from the original data that can be dragged and dropped into four areas: Filters, Columns, Rows, and Values, to shape the summary.
• Summarizing Values: By default, numerical fields placed in the "Values" area are summed. For example, checking "Total Cost" sums all costs from the original data.
• Adding Dimensions: Fields like "Order Category" or "Product Number" can be moved to "Rows" or "Columns" to break down the summarized values, providing more detailed breakdowns.
• Visual Organization: Fields in "Rows" create a vertical breakdown, while fields in "Columns" create a horizontal breakdown. The order of fields in "Rows" can group data hierarchically.
• Filtering Data: The "Filters" area allows users to selectively view data based on specific criteria within a chosen field.
• Formatting and Sorting: Pivot tables can be formatted using the "Design" tab for better readability. Values can also be sorted (e.g., from largest to smallest) to easily identify key trends or outliers within categories.