This course introduces the PivotTable feature and covers all of the essentials. We start here to ensure that all participants, regardless of previous PivotTable experience, have the skills needed to do fundamental PivotTable activities and to build toward more advanced pivot table capability. We discuss the four report layout areas: rows, columns, values, and filters. We then discuss how to update PivotTable reports and ensure that any new transactions appended to the data source are included in the report. We explore how to create monthly columns and how to properly format the values in a PivotTable.

Course Series

This course is included in the following series:

4 CoursesPivotTable Essentials

  1. PivotTable Essentials
  2. How to Use PivotTables instead of Formula-Based Reports
  3. PivotTable Conclusion and External Data Introduction
  4. Using PivotTables and PivotCharts to Prepare External Data
Learning Objectives
  • Explore the process to create a PivotTable report
  • Identify the four PivotTable report layout areas
  • Recognize which type of PivotTable field will create report filters
Last updated/reviewed: August 25, 2023

Included In Certifications

This course is included in the following Certification Programs:

9 CoursesExcel for Professional Applications Certification

  1. Excel Shortcuts Training: 5 Top Productivity Boosting Shortcuts
  2. Excel Training: Skills for Better Workbook Design
  3. Excel Training: Boosting Proficiency with Selected Shortcuts (PC Version)
  4. Excel Training: Mastering Fundamental Functions - IFERROR, IF, List Comparisons and More
  5. Excel Training: Tips for Improving Data Validation, Error Checking, Reporting and Other Performance Obstructions
  6. PivotTable Essentials
  7. How to Use PivotTables instead of Formula-Based Reports
  8. PivotTable Conclusion and External Data Introduction
  9. Using PivotTables and PivotCharts to Prepare External Data
65 Reviews (209 ratings)

Reviews

5
Member's Profile
I enrolled in this believing I was already proficient in Pivot Tables, and though the general information about the Pivot Table fields and features was a review for me, I loved learning about the keyboard shortcuts for dialog boxes that will minimize the amount of time I spend clicking in Excel. I also enjoyed the different methods of changing value displays and collapsing/expanding/grouping fields that Jeff demonstrated. Great for beginners and regular/experienced Pivot Table users alike!

4
Anonymous Author
I really enjoy Jeff's classes and can pick up new tips and tricks. My only complaint is that the courses should include written materials that can be saved as reference. He moves through the course at a very quick pace and it is difficult to catch all of the shortcuts, etc. I always have to stop and re-wind several sections of the course in order to pick up the information. Please consider adding written materials to the courses.

5
Anonymous Author
I thought this was a great class. Jeff is fast, and his speed keeps up with more of an intermediate-level excel user, so it helps to already know the basics of pivot tables. I learned a lot of great stuff that I didn't know about pivot tables, and some additional shortcuts. Would absolutely recommend this class if you already know the pivot table basics! His teaching style is easy to understand/follow.

4
Anonymous Author
Jeff explains things very well and in a fun way. The course was informative and interesting. It held my interest. Sometimes a bit too fast but can go over the material again. It would be nice if the support materials had a listing of all the shortcut keys. They are presented too fast to remember, and it's difficult to go back and try to view the video looking for them.

5
Anonymous Author
Jeff makes learning Excel unintimidating, however, he is really fast and can lose folks as he goes along. Be prepared to pause the lesson so that you can keep up. But he has great stuff and a good enthusiastic teaching style. Plan on spending more than 2 hours if you really want to do all the exercises and really understand the material.

5
Anonymous Author
This is an outstanding course; the lectures are concise and engaging. I really appreciate that I can follow along with the supporting files. Moreover, the instructor has a great way of breaking down the information and explaining which makes for very effective learning. I highly recommend this course.

5
Member's Profile
This is a very well presented course. The course covers all the subtle details that often overlooked in other presentations. The course has a lot of hands-on exercises that help to learn how to apply material to your workbooks. Great Job Jeff!!! Thank you.

4
Member's Profile
The course provided a lot of detail. It would have been best if I completed it in one setting. I learned a lot from the Groups & Subtotals chapter. Jeff adds a little humor and is always upbeat which makes the course interesting.

4
Anonymous Author
This a great introduction to pivot tables. Thank you for the tricks and tips that you offer. Definitely, one needs to practise to get the hang of pivot tables. I can see how one can save so much time. And up goes productivity!

4
Anonymous Author
I used pivot table from time to time and is very familiar on how it works but I've learned few other things through this lecture. Jeff is a very good instructor and very engaging. This course is highly recommended.

5
Anonymous Author
Great course by Jeff Lenning! However, if you want to make the most out the tips and information provided, prepare yourself to spend four hours on the course as opposed to two. The extra time is well worth it!

5
Anonymous Author
Easy to understand step by step build up of Pivot Tables. Gives multiple approaches to achieve same desired result. Pulls in prior course volumes to aid in PT builds. Can easily start using steps in next PT.

5
Anonymous Author
Awesome course! My only wish is that he would provide a written document with the short cuts. The only attached support are the excel workbooks. A "cheat sheet" would be really nice for shortcuts.

5
Anonymous Author
Great course for someone with basic understanding of pivot tables. Course is fast paced. You will need to work through all the examples. Expect to spend more than the suggested time to complete.

5
Member's Profile
Very good tutorial on pivot tables. Easy to understand examples and in depth coverage of virtually all aspects of getting your data into a pivot table and how to modify presentation..

3
Anonymous Author
A lot of pivot table experience and knowledge is assumed to begin with. The instructor moves pretty quickly through the steps making it difficult to keep up at times.

5
Anonymous Author
It is more efficiency to build up different kinds of reports to meet the management needs. Especially enable to refresh the report after change the data source.

4
Anonymous Author
The coarse is great. I had little experience with pivot tables and this coarse is very helpful. I think creating a pivot table should be included in the exam.

5
Anonymous Author
Great, great course! I was unfamiliar with pivot tables and this really helped me gain a basic understanding. I really enjoy Mr. Lenning's teaching style.

4
Anonymous Author
Course was very through and very well taught. I also like that the instructor has a sense of humor and keeps things light, as opposed to be so serious.

5
Anonymous Author
Good step by step guidance. I love being able to do the exercises along with the instructor. The instructor is very clear and upbeat. Great course!

5
Anonymous Author
Great course! I enjoyed working through the exercises as I watched. I had to pause the playback a few times to keep up, but I loved the pace.

4
Anonymous Author
This was a good refresher course on what I have learned over the years about using pivot tables despite having no formal training

5
Member's Profile
I have been following excel university courses for many years now. Must say Jeff always makes excel learning fun & interesting.

4
Anonymous Author
The course is a very good introduction to pivot tables. The lecturer was clear and provided information in a palpable format.

5
Member's Profile
A worthwhile introduction to Pivot tables . Useful when explaining Excels default logic for setting up tables and structure.

3
Anonymous Author
ok course, alot of information, would have bee nice to have the slide presentation available to review/refer back to as well

5
Member's Profile
There are new things to learn even if you already use pivot table. I specifically added date manipulation to my repertoire.

5
Anonymous Author
as always, good course.....................

4
Member's Profile
This was a very good course. It walked you through common errors in addition to showing you how it was supposed to work.

5
Member's Profile
Jeff just has a knack for breaking down the data to a level that is easy to comprehend and I absolutely love his humor:)

4
Anonymous Author
Great Information -- conveyed in a good way that encourages wanting to know more about utilizing all aspects of Excel.

5
Member's Profile
I use pivot tables a lot and I still learned things I didn't know and how to do some things faster. Very helpful.

3
Anonymous Author
The instructor provided clear details, it was a bit challenging at times, had to stop a few times and practice.

5
Anonymous Author
Well-structured and taught course. Instructure understands and explains material in a clear and concise manner.

5
Member's Profile
a very well done course on the basics of pivot tables - great examples to help you work through what is taught

4
Anonymous Author
I wish a PDF of the main points was provided as a resource to keep since PIvot table a very useful tool.

5
Anonymous Author
Jeff's lessons are very practical and valuable. However, he does run through them material very quickly!

5
Anonymous Author
Useful for learning the basics of pivot tables. The Excel files included for practice are very helpful.

5
Anonymous Author
Useful course as it provides quick refresher course on Pivot tables. Recommended for brginners.

5
Anonymous Author
Love the course. Could have enjoyed less keyboard shortcuts and more on pivot table functions.

5
Anonymous Author
Good examples of how to create, use and format pivot tables. Presentation is easy to follow.

5
Anonymous Author
This was an excellent course to familiarize somebody with pivot tables and how to use them.

5
Anonymous Author
I knew the basics of pivot tables but this course took my understanding to the next level

5
Member's Profile
Great course on the basics. I took me step by step through everything I needed to learn.

5
Anonymous Author
this course showed some tricks I was not aware of. it will help with my pivot table use.

5
Member's Profile
Jeff does a great job and is a great teacher. He made it very understandable I thought.

5
Anonymous Author
This was a very well put together course with very good examples and sequencing. Thanks

5
Anonymous Author
This is a refresher course on pivot table. Everyone will benefit from this training.

5
Member's Profile
thorough coverage of pivot tables. I have immediately started seeing the benefits.

3
Member's Profile
Pivot information was good, but dialogue box navigation did not really apply

5
Anonymous Author
The instructor is very knowledgeable and explains the information thoroughly

4
Anonymous Author
well organized tutorial, easy to understand, course material is very good.

5
Member's Profile
A lot to cover, but it was educational. I liked the interactive exercises.

4
Member's Profile
Good Course on Pivot table. All excel user need to go through this course.

5
Anonymous Author
Thank you for your courses! They are super entertaining and helpful. :)

4
Anonymous Author
Informative and easy to understand. Can't wait to use the new options!

5
Anonymous Author
This was an excellent course for pivot tables. Thanks I learned a lot.

4
Anonymous Author
Enjoyed the training. Learned many new methods. Well worth the time.

5
Member's Profile
The instructor was easy to understand and used great examples.

5
Anonymous Author
Good course. Objectives were completed. Easy to understand.

5
Anonymous Author
very good course the pivot table basics and essentials..

5
Anonymous Author
This is s very good course, reminding shortcuts as well.

5
Anonymous Author
Great summary of Pivot table functions and limitations.

4
Anonymous Author
Excellent course

Prerequisites
Course Complexity: Foundational

No Advanced Preparation or Prerequisites are needed for this course. 

Education Provider Information
Company: Illumeo, Inc., 75 East Santa Clara St., Suite 1215, San Jose, CA 95113
Contact: For more information regarding this course, including complaint and cancellation policies, please contact our offices at (408) 400- 3993 or send an e-mail to .
Instructor for this course
Course Syllabus
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
  Chapter 1: Overview2:16
  Chapter 2: Selected Shortcuts6:34
  Chapter 3: PivotTable Basics9:33
  Chapter 4: Row Fields6:17
  Chapter 5: Value Fields12:33
  Chapter 6: Column Fields3:40
  Chapter 7: Filter Fields4:10
  Chapter 8: Updating Data11:02
  Chapter 9: Groups and Subtotals12:47
  Chapter 10: Value Formats5:28
CONTINUOUS PLAY
  PivotTable Essentials1:14:18
SUPPORTING MATERIALS
  Supporting Files: PivotTable EssentialsZIP
  PivotTable Essentials GlossaryPDF
REVIEW AND TEST
  Review Questions quiz
 Final Examexam