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Prepare Excel Data for Pivot Tables

Using pivot tables helps to do accurate data analysis. Hence, to work more accurately make excel data beforehand. To present data in a meaningful way using pivot tables is best. If one wants the pivot table to give accurate results then make sure to make proper excel data table first. Especially when working on a large database, maintaining accuracy is very important. 

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Step To Make A Perfect Excel  Data For Pivot Tables

  1. A heading in each column is a must while making a database: A heading gives clarity to the data. Using headings like the first customer and second customer is better than writing the only customers. Giving specific headings help to make data easily understandable.
  2. Each column needs to be categorized clearly: For example if you want to highlight time or date go to the home tab and click on the specific column. Even for formatting the data one just has to right-click the column and choose the cells to be formatted.
  3. Never give headings like average or subtotal: This job will be done perfectly by the pivot table. The calculations are done perfectly by the pivot table itself.
  4. It is better to keep no black column in the main data: If a blank table or column appears in the source data the results are going to be misinterpreted by the pivot table. Moreover, in the pivot table, a blank column will show as an error message or it will show not available.
  5. Never repeat data in the source: In the source, data try not to repeat any heading. It is better to remove duplicate data for getting accurate results.
  6. Do not add filters in the source data: Filters can be added easily in the pivot table itself.  Sort and filter command is present on the home tab. All the editing can be done easily.
  7. One can ungroup cells easily: Using the ungroup command can easily help to remove collected data in the data tab.
  8. Highlight all the data before making a complete table is a must. It is the last step to do before making a pivot table. This can be done in the style group that is present in the home tab.

The best way of getting accurate results is to format the data before creating a pivot table in excel. The above-listed step can be of great use for sure.

Usefulness Of Excel Data For Preparing Pivot Table

An excel program is useful for doing statistical calculations. However, for doing financial and mathematical calculations too excel data is useful. Furthermore excel helps to present final data in the form of histograms, graphs as well as charts. Excel also helps to sort data for any kind of reference. A few techniques that are basics to excel are 

  • Entering data and referencing it in formulas 
  • Conditional formatting
  • Data sorting and filtering
  • Finally, file security is also an important part of excel.

Conclusion

For making a perfect pivot table the excel data must be made properly following all the above-mentioned points. As the pivot table is a summary of the excel data therefore, excel data is very important. Moreover, it also helps to maintain the accuracy of the result.

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