ANALYSIS

Pivot Table Thinking

Understand how rows, columns, values and filters turn detail data into a summary.

After this lessonChoose the right dimensions and measures before building a pivot.

How it works

A pivot table groups detail rows into a compact summary without changing the source data. The key skill is separating dimensions such as Supplier from measures such as Quantity.

Before building the pivot, keep source data tabular: one header row, one record per row, no merged cells and consistent data types.

REAL WORK

Summarize quantity by supplier, defects by line or inventory value by category.

SYNTAX

The pattern

Rows: Supplier
Values: Sum of Qty
Filter: Status = Open

Example

Rows → Supplier
Values → Sum of Qty
Filter → Status

TRY IT

Test the formula

The sample sheet is local to this page. Change the formula and see the result immediately.

Result

QUICK CHECK

Which field is normally a measure?

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