Fundamentals of Pivot Tables in Google Sheets

Introduction

In this article, you will learn about the fundamentals of pivot tables in Google Sheets and elaborate how the pivot tables feature the necessary data from a huge data pile. Spreadsheets are excellent and efficient tools for working with data and analyzing them. But, when you load them with huge amounts of data, it becomes difficult to summarize, average, aggregate, count, or sort data with spreadsheets. Now, to resolve this issue, you need a pivot table.

The pivot table provides the methods of working with different mathematical operations (e.g. summation, average, etc.) on any data set. The original/source data of the table is located in another location of the spreadsheet, and your pivot table will present the data in a more accessible way.

You can use pivot tables for different purposes like financial reporting, ERP applications, statistical analysis, and more. Here, you will learn how to create pivot tables in Google Sheets and how they will help in your regular workflows.

How to add/edit pivot tables in Google Sheets?

1. First, open a spreadsheet in Google Sheets from your computer.
2. Next, select all the cells with their source data.
3. Then, click Insert > Pivot table.
4. After that, a Create pivot table panel will appear. There you will get two options - New sheet and Existing sheet. Choose anyone as per your requirements.
5. Finally, click Create.
6. Then, you will find a side panel with ‘Rows’ or ‘Columns’. Here, click Add to choose a value.

How to insert rows and columns in the pivot tables in Google Sheets?

Suppose, you want to show the Product Name and Product Type in your pivot table, then here is a process –

1. To create a row first head over to the Pivot table editor panel.
2. Then, click Add beside the Rows.
3. After that select Product Name. Google Sheets will automatically take the source data of the clients’ names.Then you have to add the columns with the same method. That means –
4. Go to the Pivot table editor panel.
5. Then, click Add beside the Columns.

Note: Google provides automated suggestions for recommended pivot tables according to the data you have chosen. Here, you can choose a pivot table under the ‘Suggested’ section.

If you don’t require suggestions, you can turn it off. To turn off the suggestions, you should click Tools > Autocomplete. Then, turn off the Enable Pivot table suggestions. You will see the tick marks in front of every option after disabling the suggestions.

How to change/remove data from the pivot table?

Oftentimes you might need to update or delete data from the pivot table as per your requirement. For example, when you don’t need any old data, you need to update the pivot table. Now, to do that, you can either change and replace the data with new information, or simply delete them and include what you want. Either way, you need to know how to edit and manage data on a pivot table, so here is a detailed outline of the process –

1. Open the spreadsheet of Google Sheets where you have the pivot table.
2. Then, click the pop-up Edit button beneath the pivot table.
3. Now, you can change or remove the fields from the side panel.

• You can drag a field to another category when you want to move it.
• If you want to remove the field, click Remove.
• Also, you can change the data range of the pivot table.In this case, users can adjust the data range by clicking Data Range in the pivot table editor.
• If you prefer to clear these cells, then click on Clear all. 

See the details of a cell

1. To see the details of the cell, double click on the cell. 
2. Finally, you can see a new sheet that incorporates the details of the particular cell.
   

How to use a custom formula in a pivot table?

1. To use a custom formula, go to the Pivot table editor from the pivot table. 
2. Next, click Add > Calculated field from the next of the side panel. 
3. Select the Calculated field.
4. Then, click the down caret under Sort by and choose the custom formula that you want. For example, if you want the summation of your data, then choose SUM.

Benefits of using pivot tables

• Pivot tables let you handle huge amounts of information quickly with the drag-and-drop methods. As a result, you can analyze the most crucial data and organize them effectively. Thus, you can summarize heaps of data clearly and concisely.
• It automatically retrieves data from the source and presents it quickly. As a result, you can save time from the manual process of retrieving any data from its source. It uses formulas to transform raw data into workable information, and as a result, you can complete your task within a strict timeline.
• These tools make your data reliable and precise. Thus, you will be able to create accurate reports from your data.
• As pivot tables present accurate data, they help you make quick business decisions, which ensure business growth and success.

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Conclusion

Now, you have understood how to create pivot tables in Google Sheets and how they help in data analysis. These tables can help you organize your data efficiently in a short span. Additionally, learning about the Foresight automation tool is also essential, as it automates your regular Google Workspace workflow-related tasks. 

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