Refreshing a pivot table in Excel is simple. It only takes a few clicks to update your data and ensure everything is up to date. Whether you’ve added new data, or something has changed, refreshing the pivot table makes sure you’re working with the most current information.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Refresh a Pivot Table in Excel
Refreshing your pivot table is a breeze once you know where to look. This step by step guide will show you how to keep your data fresh and accurate.
Step 1: Select the Pivot Table
To refresh a pivot table, first, click anywhere inside the pivot table.
Selecting the pivot table tells Excel that this is the data you want to refresh. It’s important to click inside the table, or Excel won’t know what you’re trying to update.
Step 2: Find the Analyze/Options Tab
After you’ve selected your pivot table, look for the “Analyze” tab in Excel 2016 and later or “Options” tab in Excel 2013 and earlier, in the ribbon at the top of the screen.
This tab has all the tools you need for your pivot table, including the refresh button. You might have to look around a bit, but it’s there, usually towards the left side.
Step 3: Click Refresh
Within the Analyze/Options tab, you’ll find a button labeled “Refresh.” Click it.
When you click this button, Excel will update the pivot table to include all the latest data. If you’ve added new entries or changed existing data, this will make sure your pivot table reflects those changes.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your pivot table will be updated with the latest data.
Tips for Refreshing a Pivot Table in Excel
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when refreshing pivot tables:
- Make sure your original data source is accurate and up to date before refreshing.
- If you’ve made a lot of changes to your data, consider refreshing your pivot table periodically as you work.
- If you have multiple pivot tables linked to the same data source, refreshing one will refresh them all.
- Use the “Refresh All” button to update all pivot tables and connections in your workbook.
- Check for any filters or slicers you may have applied, as these can affect how your refreshed data appears.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my pivot table doesn’t refresh?
Make sure you’re clicking inside the pivot table and that your data source is correct. Sometimes, if the data source has changed significantly, you may need to re-create the pivot table.
Can I refresh a pivot table automatically?
Yes, you can set pivot tables to refresh automatically whenever you open your Excel workbook by going to PivotTable Options -> Data tab, and checking the “Refresh data when opening the file” option.
How do I refresh all pivot tables at once?
You can use the “Refresh All” button, which is usually found in the “Data” tab on the ribbon. This will update all pivot tables in your workbook.
Why is my pivot table not showing recent data after refreshing?
Double-check that your pivot table is connected to the correct data range and that any new data falls within that range. Also, ensure no filters or slicers are hiding the updated data.
How do I change the data source for a pivot table?
Right-click the pivot table, select “PivotTable Options,” then go to the “Data” tab. Here, you can change the range of cells being used as the data source.
Summary
- Select the pivot table.
- Find the Analyze/Options tab.
- Click Refresh.
Conclusion
Refreshing a pivot table in Excel isn’t something to be intimidated by. It’s quite the opposite! A few simple clicks can ensure your analysis is always based on the most recent and relevant data. Keeping your pivot table updated is crucial for accurate insights and informed decision making. Remember, data is always evolving, and staying on top of these changes can give you a significant advantage. Whether you are in business, education, or using Excel for personal projects, knowing how to refresh a pivot table is a skill that will constantly serve you well. So, go ahead and give your data the fresh start it deserves! Keep practicing, stay curious, and always keep your pivot tables refreshed!
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.