Creating Pivot Tables in Google Sheets

If you have moved away from Microsoft Excel and deep dived into the utilities of Google Sheets, then you probably know that Google Sheets has really transformed into a cloud-based excel over the last few years. Every few months, new features are being added that improve the spreadsheet user experience. For any kind of excel/google sheets platform, one of the most important functions is the pivot table. A pivot table is one of the most widely used features in business due to the ability to group data into a summarized view. Pivot tables allow you to slice and dice your data into specific columns and rows to make it easy to analyze. In Accounting, pivot tables make life easier when trying to compile data into journal entries. We talk about Digital Finance a lot and we do consider using pivot tables as a Digital Finance initiative as it does save time and effort.

Here is a video of how to create pivot tables in google sheets if you prefer to follow that format.

• To create a pivot table, click on “Data” in the menu bar and select Pivot Table.

• You are then able to select the range of data you want pivoted. You are also allowed to add the table to a new sheet or existing sheet. Once you have the data range and sheet selected, you just need to click on “Create” and it should insert an empty pivot in the selected sheet.

One of the best features of Google Sheets pivot tables is the “Suggested” section. Google will look at your data and try to guess how you want your data summarized. This is great when a user does not know how to analyze or view the table or wants a quick look without dragging and dropping fields to rows and columns. Google definitely has Microsoft Excel beat with this feature. As artificial intelligence and machine learning improve over time, the pivot views suggested will also get more accurate in terms of how the user wants to manipulate the data.

It is very easy to add rows and columns to a pivot. Just like Excel, you are able to add rows, columns, values, and filters. You just have to click on “Add” and the available fields will be shown in a dropdown to be selected. Subtotals and totals can be shown or removed for each selected field.

Google Sheets has stepped up its game to compete with Microsoft products. Creating pivot tables on a live interactive sheet is a step up in the way we share information with each other especially in the finance industry. Adding more features in such an environment helps the Digital Finance initiative grow especially when we are looking to focus more on analysis and cut down on the remedial tasks by using automation.