A pivot table creates an interactive summary from many records.

For example, you may have hundreds of invoice entries in a list on your worksheet.

A pivot table can total the invoices by customer, product or date. You create the pivot table by using a wizard -- no need for complicated formulas!

Many web sites give instructions for creating a pivot table. (See Pivot Table and Pivot Chart Links).

However, before you can create a Pivot Table or Pivot Chart, organize your data in a table that Excel can understand.

Use Headings: As in this example, the first row must have headings. Use a different heading for each column.

Keep It Together: Keep all the data together -- don't include any blank rows or columns in the table.

Isolate It: Leave at least one blank row and one blank column between the data table and any other information on the worksheet.

The following links on the Contextures web site help with some of the common issues and questions about pivot tables:

Pivot Table and Pivot Chart FAQs

Pivot Tables - Special Topics

• Clear Old Items
• Custom Calculations
• Data Field Layout
• Dynamic Data Source
• Field Settings
• GetPivotData
• Grouping Data
• Multiple Consolidation Ranges
• Pivot Cache
• Printing
• Protection
• Show and Hide Items
• Unique Items
• PivotPower Add-in Beta 2.7
• PivotPower Add-in Features
• PivotPlay Add-in