How to Use the Pivot Table Wizard in Excel

A pivot table is an interactive worksheet table that quickly summarizes large amounts of data. You can rotate table rows and column headings around the core data area to give a different view of the information (for example, one view might show sales by month, another by salesperson). These steps are for Microsoft Excel 2000.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Excel Book
• Microsoft Excel

1. Start Excel and open the workbook file where you want to create the pivot table.

2. Format your data as straight lists of values. For example, you might have month, type of product, salesperson, or income.

3. Select the data you want in the pivot table.

4. Open the Data menu and select Pivot Table and Pivot Chart Report.

5. Click the radio button in the first section for "Microsoft Excel list."

6. Decide if you want just a table for your data, or if you also want charts. Then Click Next.

7. Verify that the range of cells you selected is listed in the Range field.

8. Click Next.

9. Decide whether you want the pivot table in a new or existing worksheet, then click Finish.

Tips & Warnings

• To customize your table's layout, use the Layout button on the Finish screen. Use the Page field in the layout window to create separate pages for your pivot table. For example you can separate years, months, or categories. Click the Help button in the Layout window for more information.