How can you use pivot tables to analyze performance data?

2 How to create a pivot table?

Creating a pivot table requires a source data table with a clear and consistent structure, with each column representing a variable and each row representing a record. The data can come from Excel, Google Sheets, or other applications that support pivot tables. To make a pivot table in Excel, first select any cell in the source data table. Then go to the Insert tab and click on PivotTable. Decide where you want to place the pivot table, either in a new worksheet or an existing one. Next, drag and drop the fields you want to include in your pivot table into the four areas: Filters, Columns, Rows, and Values. Lastly, adjust the settings and formatting of your pivot table as needed.

3 How to use pivot tables to analyze performance data?

Pivot tables can help you analyze performance data in various ways, such as calculating KPIs, comparing performance across different dimensions, identifying trends, finding correlations, and testing hypotheses. To use pivot tables for analysis, you need to define your goals and questions first. Then, you can use the pivot table features to manipulate and explore your data. For example, you can change the fields, aggregation methods, or order of the rows and columns to see different perspectives. You can also apply filters, slicers, or timelines to narrow down or expand your data range. Additionally, you can insert calculated fields or items to create custom formulas or values based on your data. Furthermore, inserting charts, graphs, or sparklines can help visualize your data and emphasize important data points using conditional formatting, data bars, color scales, or icons.

4 How to use pivot tables to present performance data?

Pivot tables can help you present performance data in a clear and engaging way by allowing you to create dynamic and interactive dashboards. Before using pivot tables, you need to consider your audience, purpose, and message. Then, you can customize your dashboard with the pivot table features, such as choosing the best layout and format to suit your data and audience, adding titles and labels to explain the data accurately, organizing and highlighting the data with grouping or sorting options, adding interactivity with slicers or timelines, and protecting and sharing the dashboard by locking cells or saving as a PDF.

5 How to improve your pivot table skills?

Pivot tables are powerful tools for analyzing and presenting performance data, but can be difficult to master. To improve your skills, practice and learn from a variety of sources, such as online courses, tutorials, or videos that cover the basics and advanced features of pivot tables. Additionally, books, blogs, or podcasts can provide tips and best practices for effective use of pivot tables. Examples, templates, or samples of pivot tables and dashboards can also be useful for inspiration or to help solve specific tasks. Finally, feedback and advice from other users or mentors can be invaluable in improving your pivot table skills and answering questions.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?