How to rearrange fields in a pivot table

Abstract

Moving fields around in apivot tableis fun and even addictive.

This is where the idea of Pivot comes from.

Let’s take a look.

Each time you move a field, the pivot table will rebuild itself to respect the new field configuration.

The easiest way to move a field is just to drag it from one area to another.

We can just drag the fields to swap locations.

And drag them back again to restore the original orientation.

Product sales are now grouped by Region first, and then State.

Let’s remove Region and add Category under products.

Note that the order that the fields appear is reflected in the pivot table.

Some sequences don’t make sense.

For example, it doesn’t make sense to have Product appear above Category.

The pivot table now shows product sales with products grouped by Category.

Numeric fields are normally placed in the Values area.

As you experiment with different pivot table configurations, keep the Undo command at the ready.