PivotTable Creation

When you create a PivotTable (by going to the Insert tab and selecting Pivot Table; pre-2007, select Data → Pivot Table Report), a dialog pops up asking you to select either your table or range, or select an external data source. If your table was set up correctly (i.e., headings defined in some way and no blank rows/columns/cells) and you are clicked somewhere inside your data, your range will be selected automatically. You will then be asked if you want your PivotTable created in a new Worksheet or on the Existing Worksheet.

This is true for a lot of Excel's functions and analysis tools. Your range will be automatically selected if your data is set up correctly-i.e., headings defined in some way and no blank rows/columns/cells.

Users of pre-2007 versions will need to go through the more cumbersome PivotTable and PivotChart Wizard. This Wizard guides you through the creation of a PivotTable using a four-step process, in which you tell Excel:

1. Howthe data is set up and whether to create an associated PivotChart (if PivotCharts are available in that version of Excel)
2. Where the data is stored-e.g., a range in the same workbook, a database, another workbook, etc.
3. Which column of data is going into which field: the optional Page, Row, and Column fields, as well as the mandatory Data field.
4. Where to put your PivotTable (i.e., in a neww orksheet or in an existing one).

You also can take many side steps along the way to manipulate the PivotTable, but most users find it easier to do this after telling Excel where to put it.