Excel Pivot Tables Recipe Book: A Problem-Solution Approach

"Excel Pivot Tables Recipe Book: A Problem-Solution Approach" by Debra Dalgleish is a comprehensive guide designed to help users master the powerful features of Excel pivot tables through practical, real-world scenarios. The book is structured as a collection of "recipes," each addressing a specific problem or task that users might encounter when working with pivot tables. This approach makes it easy for readers to find and apply solutions to their own pivot table challenges.

Dalgleish begins with an introduction to the basics of pivot tables, explaining what they are and how they can be used to summarize, analyse, and present large amounts of data. She provides clear, step-by-step instructions on how to create pivot tables from scratch, ensuring that even beginners can follow along and build a solid foundation in pivot table usage.

The core of the book is organised into a series of problem-solution pairs, where each "recipe" addresses a common pivot table challenge. This format allows readers to quickly locate solutions to specific problems they are facing, making the book a practical reference guide for day-to-day Excel tasks. The problems range from simple tasks, like sorting and filtering pivot table data, to more complex scenarios, such as creating calculated fields and grouping data.

Key Features and Techniques

1. Creating and Formatting Pivot Tables:

• • Dalgleish covers the essentials of creating pivot tables, including how to select data, insert a pivot table, and choose the appropriate layout. She also delves into formatting options to enhance the readability and appearance of pivot tables, such as applying styles, adjusting column widths, and using conditional formatting.

2. Summarizing and Analysing Data:

• • The book provides detailed instructions on how to use pivot tables to summarise and analyse data. Readers learn how to use various summary functions, such as SUM, AVERAGE, and COUNT, to gain insights from their data. Dalgleish also explains how to use advanced features like calculated fields and calculated items to perform custom calculations.

3. Sorting, Filtering, and Grouping Data:

• • Dalgleish demonstrates how to sort pivot table data in ascending or descending order, apply filters to focus on specific subsets of data, and group data by categories, dates, or numerical ranges. These techniques are essential for organising data and extracting meaningful patterns and trends.

4. Pivot Charts:

• • In addition to pivot tables, the book covers pivot charts, which are dynamic charts linked to pivot table data. Dalgleish explains how to create and customise pivot charts to visually represent data insights. She provides tips on selecting the right chart type, formatting chart elements, and using slicers and timelines to interact with the data.

5. Advanced Techniques:

• • For more experienced users, Dalgleish explores advanced pivot table techniques, such as using Power Pivot for large data sets, creating complex data models, and working with external data sources. These advanced topics help users take full advantage of Excel's data analysis capabilities.

Practical Applications and Examples

Throughout the book, Dalgleish includes numerous practical examples and real-world applications of pivot tables. These examples help readers understand how to apply pivot table techniques to solve specific business problems, such as sales analysis, financial reporting, and inventory management.

"Excel Pivot Tables Recipe Book: A Problem-Solution Approach" by Debra Dalgleish is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve their proficiency with Excel pivot tables. The book's problem-solution format, clear explanations, and practical examples make it a go-to guide for both beginners and experienced users. By providing solutions to common pivot table challenges, Dalgleish empowers readers to harness the full potential of pivot tables for data analysis and decision-making.

The key takeaways from this book

1. Practical Problem-Solution Approach:

• • The book's structure is highly practical, focusing on real-world problems that users commonly encounter when working with pivot tables. Each "recipe" presents a specific problem and provides a step-by-step solution, making it easy for readers to find and apply the techniques to their own data analysis tasks.

2. Comprehensive Coverage of Pivot Table Features:

• • Dalgleish covers a broad range of pivot table features, from basic creation and formatting to advanced data analysis techniques. This includes sorting, filtering, grouping data, and using summary functions, as well as creating calculated fields and items. This comprehensive approach ensures that readers can master all aspects of pivot table functionality.

3. Enhanced Data Analysis and Visualisation:

• • The book emphasises how pivot tables can be used to summarise, analyse, and visualise large data sets effectively. Readers learn how to create pivot charts linked to pivot table data, select appropriate chart types, and customise charts for better data presentation. This helps in transforming raw data into meaningful insights and visually appealing reports.

4. Advanced Techniques for Power Users:

• • For more advanced users, Dalgleish explores sophisticated pivot table techniques, such as using Power Pivot for handling large data sets and creating complex data models. These advanced topics enable users to leverage Excel’s full capabilities for more intricate data analysis and decision-making processes.

5. Real-World Examples and Applications:

• • The inclusion of numerous practical examples and real-world applications is a standout feature of the book. These examples demonstrate how to apply pivot table techniques to solve specific business problems, such as sales analysis, financial reporting, and inventory management. This contextual learning helps readers understand the practical utility of pivot tables in various business scenarios.