How to Create Pivot Tables in Excel

Microsoft Excel allows a user to compile and compute large amounts of data with ease. One tool that demonstrates this compilation and computation is the ability to create pivot tables in Excel. While this is a somewhat advanced use of Excel, it is easy enough that any user with a basic of knowledge of Excel can use, if they follow the steps below.

Instructions

1. Open a Microsoft Excel file containing the relevant data with which you want to generate a pivot table. You need a file that contains at least two data criteria. If you only have one data criteria there will not be enough data to create a pivot table in Excel. Ideally, a user will have a large amount of data to use with a pivot table.

2. Compile a new Excel data spreadsheet if you do not have an existing file with which you can create pivot tables in Excel. Open the Excel program and in the blank spreadsheet enter the necessary information for the pivot table. Make sure there are least two types of data once the spreadsheet is complete.

3. Position the cursor over any part of the data and right click the mouse.

4. Choose "Insert" from main file menu. Then select pivot table from the insert menu to begin the creation of the pivot table in Excel.

5. Select the range of the data you use to create the pivot table in Excel. Excel will automatically choose the area it believes you want to use for the pivot table. If this default is wrong, click on the button with the red arrow next to table/range data box. Then select the range of data you want to use. Be sure there are at least two separate sets of data.

6. Check to see if the pivot table settings are correct. For instance, you may to create the pivot table in a new worksheet, if so click on "New Worksheet" option in the pivot table dialogue box. There is also a feature that allows you to select external data. If you need to use data outside this particular spreadsheet, you need to click on the "Use an External Data Source" option.

7. Click "Next" to create the pivot table in Excel. Now you will see the data options in the left menu panel with the appropriate column or row labels. Finally right click, hold down and drag the labels over into the pivot table headings to finish the job of creating pivot tables in Excel.