Creating PivotCharts in Spreadsheets
PivotCharts are dynamic visual tools that allow you to represent summarized data from a PivotTable in a graphical format. They provide an intuitive way to analyze and present complex datasets. Here are seven key concepts to help you master the creation and customization of PivotCharts.
1. PivotCharts
A PivotChart is a chart that is linked to a PivotTable. It automatically updates as the data in the PivotTable changes, making it a powerful tool for real-time data analysis and visualization.
Example: If you have a PivotTable showing total sales by product category, you can create a PivotChart to visualize this data as a bar chart. As you filter or change the data in the PivotTable, the PivotChart will dynamically update.
2. Creating a PivotChart
To create a PivotChart, first create a PivotTable from your dataset. Then, select the PivotTable and go to the "Insert" tab to choose the type of chart you want to create. The PivotChart will be automatically linked to the PivotTable.
Example: After creating a PivotTable that summarizes monthly sales data, select the PivotTable and click on "Insert" > "PivotChart" to create a line chart showing sales trends over time.
3. Customizing PivotCharts
Customizing PivotCharts involves modifying various elements such as titles, axes, data series, and colors. This helps in making the chart more informative and visually appealing.
Example: You can change the title of the PivotChart to "Monthly Sales Trends" and customize the colors of the data series to highlight the highest sales months.
4. Slicers in PivotCharts
Slicers are interactive filters that can be added to both PivotTables and PivotCharts. They provide a visual way to filter data, making it easier to explore different subsets of your data.
Example: If your PivotChart shows sales data by region, you can add a slicer for the Region field. This allows you to quickly filter the data by selecting specific regions without manually adjusting the filters.
5. Using Different Chart Types
PivotCharts support various chart types such as bar charts, line charts, pie charts, and more. Choosing the right chart type depends on the nature of your data and the insights you want to convey.
Example: For data that shows parts of a whole, such as sales distribution by product category, a pie chart would be appropriate. For data that shows trends over time, a line chart would be more suitable.
6. Updating PivotCharts
Since PivotCharts are linked to PivotTables, any changes made to the PivotTable will automatically update the PivotChart. This ensures that your visualizations are always up-to-date with the latest data.
Example: If you add new sales data to your dataset, the PivotTable will update to include this new data, and the linked PivotChart will automatically reflect these changes.
7. Combining PivotCharts with Other Charts
You can combine PivotCharts with other types of charts to create more complex visualizations. This allows you to present different aspects of your data in a single view.
Example: You can create a PivotChart showing total sales by region and combine it with a line chart showing sales trends over time. This provides a comprehensive view of both regional performance and overall sales trends.