How to Do Calculated Field in Pivot Table
In today’s data-driven world, pivot tables have become an essential tool for analyzing and summarizing large datasets. One of the most powerful features of pivot tables is the ability to create calculated fields. Calculated fields allow users to perform mathematical operations on the data within the pivot table, providing more insights and valuable information. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating calculated fields in pivot tables.
Understanding Calculated Fields
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand what a calculated field is. A calculated field is a new field that is created within a pivot table, and it contains the result of a mathematical formula applied to the existing data. These fields can be used to calculate percentages, averages, sums, differences, and much more. Calculated fields can be based on values from other fields within the pivot table or even external data sources.
Creating a Calculated Field
To create a calculated field in a pivot table, follow these steps:
1. Open the pivot table and click on the “Options” button located in the upper-right corner of the table.
2. In the “Options” menu, select “Field Settings” to open the “Field Settings” dialog box.
3. In the “Field Settings” dialog box, click on the “Add Calculated Field” button.
4. A new dialog box will appear, prompting you to enter the name of the calculated field. Provide a descriptive name that reflects the purpose of the calculation.
5. In the “Expression” field, enter the formula for the calculated field. You can use various functions and operators to perform the desired calculation. For example, to calculate the average of a field, you can use the following formula: `AVERAGE([Field Name])`.
6. Once you have entered the formula, click “OK” to create the calculated field.
Using Calculated Fields
After creating a calculated field, you can use it just like any other field in the pivot table. You can add it to the rows, columns, or values area of the table, and it will automatically calculate the values based on the formula you defined. Additionally, you can format the calculated field to display the results in a desired format, such as percentages or currency.
Common Calculations in Calculated Fields
Here are some common calculations you can perform using calculated fields in pivot tables:
– Calculating percentages: Use the `CALCULATE` function with the `DIVIDE` function to calculate percentages, such as “Sales as a Percentage of Total Sales.”
– Calculating averages: Use the `AVERAGE` function to calculate the average of a field, such as “Average Order Value.”
– Calculating sums: Use the `SUM` function to calculate the total of a field, such as “Total Sales.”
– Calculating differences: Use the `DIF` function to calculate the difference between two fields, such as “Profit Margin.”
Conclusion
Creating calculated fields in pivot tables is a valuable skill that can help you gain deeper insights from your data. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily add calculated fields to your pivot tables and perform a wide range of calculations. With calculated fields, you can transform your pivot tables into powerful tools for data analysis and decision-making.
