Analyze your data easily with Excel pivot tables

Data analytics is already a fundamental building block for business success, enabling the best decisions to be made. However, for SMEs it can be a challenge mainly due to limited resources, lack of specialized personnel or the complexity of advanced analysis tools.

The good news is that you don't need to be an expert in data analysis and Big Data, nor invest in complex technological solutions. Microsoft Excel is a tool that, if you use the Office package, you will already have installed on your device and that offers high analysis capabilities eliminating the entry barriers to data analysis.

Understanding pivot tables in Excel

Pivot tables are a tool that has revolutionized data analysis in Excel. Thanks to them, long lists of information can be transformed into clear summaries with just a few clicks. In addition, they also allow:

• Automatic data organization: for example, in categories or dates. In addition, you can change the arrangement of the data according to your needs.
• Customized calculations: automatically perform mathematical operations such as sums, averages or counts.
• Interactive filters: with segmentation options allow you to explore the data from different perspectives.

This tool eliminates the need for complex formulas and automates the analysis process, allowing you to concentrate on interpreting results and making strategic decisions.

Create, step by step, your first Excel pivot table

Creating a pivot table is easier than it initially seems. Here we guide you step by step so you can start analyzing your data efficiently:

1. Data preparation

• Organize your data in columns with clear headings. For example, a column for dates, for the number of products sold or for the profit generated by each item.
• Remove empty rows and inconsistent data.
• Verify that each column contains a uniform data type (number, date, text, currency).

2. Inserting the pivot table

• Select the data you want to represent.
• Go to the “Insert” tab.
• Find the pivot table button in the “Tables” group.
• Select the location: new sheet or existing sheet.

You would already have your pivot table created! Now you can start customizing it according to your needs.

Basic configuration:

The customization of your pivot table is done through the fields panel:

• Rows: drag here the fields you want to see vertically.
• Columns: places the fields for horizontal display.
• Values: add the numerical data you want to analyze.
• Filters: includes fields to filter specific information.

Advanced customization:

If you want to further configure your table to get a clearer view of the data, you can:

• Change the type of calculation.
• Apply conditional formatting to highlight important data.
• Group data by ranges or categories.

Automatic updates and implementation of AI in pivot tables

Pivot tables excel at automatic updating, a feature that transforms day-to-day data management. When adding new rows of information to your original data set, a simple click on “Refresh” synchronizes the entire pivot table with the latest information.

In addition, some Microsoft Office plans allow you to incorporate its artificial intelligence language, Copilot. This tool will help you with tasks such as generating column suggestions, displaying information in graphs or highlighting interesting data.

This functionality represents a perfect entry point for any company wishing to start its journey into data analysis. The next step? Access our practical example and start experimenting with your data in Excel today.