Deleting a pivot table in Excel is a breeze! All you need to do is select the pivot table, go to the “Analyze” tab in the PivotTable Tools on the ribbon, and then click on “Select” followed by “Entire PivotTable.” Once selected, just hit the delete key on your keyboard, and voila, the pivot table is gone!
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Delete a Pivot Table in Excel
Before we dive into the steps, know that deleting a pivot table is irreversible. Once you delete it, you can’t get it back unless you’ve saved a previous version of your workbook. So, make sure you really want to delete it!
Step 1: Select the Pivot Table
Click on any cell within the pivot table that you want to delete.
Selecting the pivot table is crucial because if you try to delete it without selecting it properly, you might end up deleting other data or cells that you didn’t intend to.
Step 2: Go to the Analyze Tab
Once your pivot table is selected, go to the “PivotTable Tools” on the ribbon, and click on the “Analyze” tab.
The “Analyze” tab contains all the tools and options you need to modify your pivot table, including the delete option.
Step 3: Click on “Select” and Choose “Entire PivotTable”
In the “Actions” group, click on “Select,” and then choose “Entire PivotTable” from the dropdown menu.
This step ensures that the entire pivot table is selected, including all its fields, data, and formatting.
Step 4: Press the Delete Key
With the entire pivot table selected, simply press the delete key on your keyboard.
And just like that, your pivot table is removed from your worksheet!
After completing these steps, your worksheet will no longer contain the pivot table. Any data used to create the pivot table will remain intact; only the pivot table itself is deleted.
Tips for Deleting a Pivot Table in Excel
- Always make sure you have selected the entire pivot table before pressing delete to avoid removing the wrong data.
- If you’re not sure about deleting a pivot table, consider hiding it instead by right-clicking and selecting “Hide.”
- Remember to save your workbook before deleting the pivot table, just in case you need to revert back.
- You can also use the “Undo” feature (Ctrl + Z) immediately after deletion if you change your mind.
- Keep a backup of your data in a separate file if the pivot table is complex and took a long time to create.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover a deleted pivot table?
Once you delete a pivot table, it cannot be recovered unless you’ve previously saved a version of your workbook or you immediately use the “Undo” feature.
Will deleting a pivot table delete the source data?
No, deleting a pivot table will not delete the source data. Only the pivot table itself and its associated formatting are removed.
Can I delete multiple pivot tables at once?
Yes, you can select multiple pivot tables by holding down the Ctrl key while clicking each one and then press delete.
Is it possible to delete a pivot table using VBA?
Yes, you can use VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) to delete pivot tables. However, this requires knowledge of Excel’s programming language.
What should I do if the pivot table won’t delete?
Ensure that the pivot table is properly selected and that you are on the “Analyze” tab in the PivotTable Tools on the ribbon. If it still won’t delete, check for any protection settings on your worksheet.
Summary
- Select the pivot table.
- Go to the “Analyze” tab in PivotTable Tools.
- Click on “Select” and choose “Entire PivotTable.”
- Press the delete key.
Conclusion
Deleting a pivot table in Excel is a straightforward process that can help clean up your worksheet or make room for new data analysis. Remember the irreversible nature of this action and ensure you have a saved or backed-up version of your workbook just in case. With these steps and tips, you’ll be able to manage your pivot tables with confidence and ease. If you’re new to Excel or looking to enhance your data management skills, mastering the art of deleting pivot tables is an excellent step towards becoming more proficient in this powerful tool. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how simple tidying up your spreadsheets can be!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.