Creating PivotCharts based on PivotTable data

After creating a PivotTable to summarize and organize your data, the next step is to insert a PivotChart, which will visually represent your data in a chart format. PivotCharts provide a dynamic and interactive way to analyze and present your data, making it easier to identify patterns, trends, and insights.

Table of Contents

Insert a PivotChart

Click anywhere within the PivotTable. Excel will display the “PivotTable Tools” contextual tab in the ribbon. This tab contains the “PivotTable Analyze” and “Design” tabs.

In the “PivotTable Tools” tab, go to the “PivotTable Analyze” tab and click on the “PivotChart” button. Excel will display a list of available chart types.

Select the chart type that best suits your data and analysis requirements. Excel offers various chart types, such as column, bar, line, pie, and more. Choose a chart type that effectively represents your data and supports the insights you want to convey.

Consider the nature of your data and the insights you want to convey. Different chart types are more suitable for representing specific types of data. For example, bar charts are better option for representing different categories of data, while line charts are preferable for representing data over time.

Configure PivotChart

Excel will place the PivotChart on the same worksheet as the PivotTable by default. You can click and drag the chart to reposition it as desired and to place it where suitable.

You can further customize and configure the chart by using the options available in the “PivotChart Tools” contextual tab.

Use the “Design” and “Format” tabs in the “Chart Tools” contextual tab to modify the chart’s appearance, including the layout, colors, styles, and labels. Excel provides a range of formatting options to enhance the visual presentation of your chart.

To resize the chart, click and drag any of the sizing handles located on the chart’s corners or edges. Or use Height and Width within “Format” tab.

Update PivotChart

The PivotChart dynamically updates as you make changes to the underlying PivotTable. Whenever you refresh PivotTable data, all related PivotCharts update.

Alternatively, you can refresh the PivotChart directly, which will also update PivotTable data. Right-click anywhere on the chart and select “Refresh” to update the chart with the latest data.

PivotCharts provide a powerful visual representation of your PivotTable data, allowing you to identify trends, patterns, and relationships more effectively. They are highly customizable, and you can experiment with different chart types and configurations to present your data in the most meaningful way.