How to Format Pivot Tables in Google Sheets

Pivot tables can help any business owner keep track of their sales. They automatically analyze data and assist you in adjusting what you need to change.

You can learn Google Sheets pivot table formatting to make a digital version. You can easily edit and change the data in the graph on Google Sheets. It also automatically saves to Google Drive for cloud storage purposes.

How to Format Pivot Tables in Google Sheets - Step-by-Step Guide

This step-by-step guide will teach you the ins and outs of Google Sheet pivot table formatting. Learn how to create one of these graphics and use custom formulas in them in the information in this article.

What is a Pivot Table in Google Sheets?

Before reading this article, you may wonder, “what is a pivot table in Google Sheets?” This type of graphic helps you summarize the data and information you insert in a screenshot.

Many business owners use pivot tables to summarize annual sales. Other professionals analyze a specific region’s earnings. They look at the information to determine what causes the successes and losses.

You do not have to worry about manually updating a pivot table. It will automatically adjust when you edit any of the data in the original spreadsheet.

How to Insert Data in Google Sheets

You may wonder, “can you do pivot tables in Google Sheets?” The answer to that question is yes.

You have to know how to add data to Google Sheets before you can create a table. You must have clear columns and rows, as well as headers for the former.

Insert Data on the Desktop Version of Google Sheets

You can insert data on a new spreadsheet in Google Sheets on your computer using the below information.

Go to docs.google.com/spreadsheets/ on your browser.
Sign in to your Google account.
Click the plus sign or “Blank Spreadsheet.”
Press where it says “Untitled Spreadsheet.” Give the document a new name.

Click a cell and start entering text. Make sure to use multiple columns and rows, organizing them by topic.

Make a Header

You can create headers for your columns in Google Sheets also, as seen below.

Right-click on the row number above that you want to use for your headers.
Choose the “Insert 1 Above” option.
Wait for the new row to appear.
Enter the titles you want for each column.
Use the formatting tools in the toolbar to underline or bold the text.

Insert Data in the Google Sheets Mobile App

You can insert data in the Google Sheets mobile app by following the below steps.

Download Google Sheets from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Tap the plus sign to start a blank spreadsheet.
Double-tap the cell you want to edit. Include information in multiple rows and columns for your future pivot table.
Format the top row of text by pressing and holding it. Choose “Bold” or “Underline” to make this information your header.
Tap “Done” when you finish adding data.

How to Create a Pivot Table in Google Sheets

This step-by-step guide focuses on helping you answer “can you do pivot tables in Google Sheets?” The information below outlines the exact steps required for a pivot table in Google Sheets.

Make a Pivot Table on the Google Sheets Website

You can learn more about how to perform Google Sheets pivot table formatting manually with the list below.

Open your computer and choose a browser. Type docs.google.com/spreadsheets/ in the web address bar.
Sign in to your Google account.
Open a spreadsheet with data you want to put into the pivot table.
Choose the specific columns you want to include in your pivot table.
Click the “Insert” tab on Google Sheets.
Choose the “Pivot Table” option.
Look for the field labeled “Insert to.”
Choose if you want the pivot table on a “New Sheet” or “Existing Sheet.”
Look for the section labeled “Data Range.”
Enter the cells you want to include in the pivot table. You could type “A1:D1” without the quotation marks, for example.
You can also select a data range in your spreadsheet automatically. Click the icon that resembles a square split in four. Press “Ok” when you finish.
Click “Create.”
If you want to add extra data later, press “Add.” Choose the rows, columns, or cells you want to include.
You can also add additional data by value. Click “Add” again. Choose the specific column you want to use or enter a custom formula.
Your pivot table will automatically save to the Google Drive server.

This process is only possible on the desktop version of Google Sheets. You can use a mobile browser, but you may have to press “Request Desktop Website.”

Add a Pivot Table Using Suggestions

If you want to make the process of Google Sheets pivot table formatting easier, use suggestions. You can access this option in the “Explore” tab of the spreadsheet or when building the graphic.

Use Suggestions in the Original Spreadsheet

You can access suggestions for your pivot table in the original spreadsheet with the below steps.

Go to docs.google.com/spreadsheets/ on your desktop computer.
Find the spreadsheet with the data you want to use.
Click “Explore” on the bottom right side of the spreadsheet.
Scroll to the section labeled “Pivot Table“
If you want to see additional suggestions, press “More.”
You will not see any suggestions if your data does not have appropriate columns and headers.
Hover over the pivot table suggestion you want to use.
Press “Insert Pivot Table.”

Wait for the pivot table to load in a new sheet.

Use Suggestions When Making a Pivot Table

You can also use suggestions in the middle of creating your pivot table. The options show up after you press “Create.”

On the right side of the screen, you will see an option labeled “Suggested.” Choose the table template you want to incorporate into your graphic.

Add a Custom Formula

You must select the columns you want to include when creating a Google Sheets pivot table filter custom formula. Making a specific mathematical equation helps you analyze data in unique ways for your business.

You will look for the button for a Google Sheets pivot table calculated field to start the process outlined below.

Click “Add” next to the “Values” option.
Choose the column you want to include. You can enter the data sets or click on the numbers above the columns.
Find the button for a Google Sheets pivot table filter custom formula and click on it.
Enter the formula you want to use to analyze your data.
Look for the “Summarize By” section.

Click “Custom.”

Add a Filter Field

You can also add a filter field using a Google Sheets pivot table calculated field. The required steps are in the information below.

Click one of the cells, rows, or columns in the pivot table you created.
Use your mouse to drag over the section you want to use as a filter area.
Click the list arrow to access sorting and filtering options.
Choose the filter you want to use in your formula.
Press “Ok.”

Edit Data in the Google Sheets Pivot Table

One of the most needed processes when learning to perform Google Sheets pivot table formatting is to start editing. There are several features you can use, including those options below.

Add Data: Click on a row, column, or specific value after pressing “Add.”
Change the Name of a Row or a Column: You can double-click the number associated with a row or column to start this process. Type the new name you want to use.
Change the Sort Order of a Row or Column: You can easily change the sort order of a row or column. Click the downward-facing arrow next to a column or row number. Look for the section labeled “Order” or “Sort By.” Choose the filter you want to use.
Delete Data: You can remove any information on your pivot table by clicking on it. After, press “Remove.”
Hide Data with Filters: You can hide any data using the “Filters” tab on your table. Click “Add” and choose the column you want to edit. Look for the “Show” section, followed by the down arrow. Deselect any data you want to conceal.
Move Data: Click on any information, dragging it to another category at any time. You can also transfer the data from rows to columns.
Repeat Row Labels: Duplicate labels if you have at least two rows. Click “Repeat Row Labels” under the first.
Show Totals: You can easily show the totals of your data sets. Check the box next to “Show Totals” at the bottom of the spreadsheet.

Show Values as Percentages: Look for the “Values” section. Click the down arrow and look for “Show As.” Choose the percentage option you need.

Group Data in the Google Sheets Pivot Table

Finally, when engaging in Google Sheets pivot table formatting, you can group the data. This process lets you create subsets in your data.

Manually Group the Data

You can manually group the data in your pivot table first, as seen below.

Open a preexisting pivot table or start a new one.
Choose the rows and columns you want to group.
Right-click on your selection.

Click the “Create Pivot Group” option.

Automatically Group Data

You can also automatically group the data when learning to perform Google Sheets pivot table formatting.

Open a pivot table in Google Sheets.
Right-click the row or column you want to include.
Press “Create Pivot Group Rule.”
Choose the size of the interval.
Change the start and end points of your group.

Press “Ok” to finalize the pivot table.

Formatting Pivot Tables in Google Sheets

You should feel comfortable about all of the processes involved in Google Sheets pivot table formatting. You can build these graphics only on the desktop version of Google Sheets.

You can access and build a pivot table in the “Insert” menu. Choose the data you want to include while in the creating process.

After you complete your pivot table, you can go back and edit it. Reorder the values or choose new data. You can also create custom formulas to help you analyze the information in the table.