Pivot Table Slicer in Microsoft Excel

"A pivot table slicer in Microsoft Excel usually revolutionizes data analysis by offering a user-friendly interface for the dynamic filtration of the pivot table data. "Unlike traditional filtering methods, such as drop-down menus and manual selection, the respective slicers mainly provide a visually engaging and intuitive way to interact with the selected amount of data effectively.

Let us imagine that we have a pivot table summarizing the sales data across the various regions, products, and with respect to the periods. With the help of the slicer, the respective users can now effortlessly refine the displayed data to the specific criteria by just simply clicking on the corresponding buttons. More often introducing the pivot table slicers usually underscores their role in streamlining the effective exploration of the data as well as enhancing the productivity of the user. They also empower users to slice dynamically and also to dice their data, facilitating deeper insights as well as faster decision-making.

By providing a visual representation of the filter options, the slicers offer a more intuitive alternative to the traditional methods, thus making data analysis accessible to a wider audience. This dynamic approach to data filtering promotes a fluid and interactive exploration of particular datasets, thus enabling users to uncover trends as well as patterns with ease. In essence, pivot table slicers revolutionize Excel's data analysis capabilities, offering users a powerful yet user-friendly tool to filter and analyze pivot table data. Their intuitive interface and dynamic functionality enhance the overall user experience, making data analysis more efficient and insightful.

What is meant by the term Pivot Table Slicer?

It was well known that the respective "PivotTable slicer in Microsoft Excel is termed to be a graphical filtering tool that is used to filter data within a selected PivotTable report interactively." It also provides users with a visual interface consisting of buttons and lists representing unique values from one or more fields in the PivotTable's underlying dataset. By just clicking on these buttons or by selecting the items from the given lists, the respective users can now dynamically filter out the data displayed in the PivotTable, thus allowing for quick as well as easy exploration of the specific subsets of the information.

Despite all this, the primary function of a PivotTable slicer is none other than to facilitate the effective analysis of the data by just providing a user-friendly method for filtering and viewing the data, it is also responsible for enhancing the interactivity of the PivotTable reports by allowing users to intuitively select and apply the filters without any need for the complex formulas and the need of the manual manipulation of the data.

• For example: The below mentioned image mainly depicts a set of the data which are containing data realted to the sales representatives, description about the product sold and the total amount of sales generated. More often, the image also depicts the pivot table created for the given dataset by just using the PivotTable option available under the Insert tab.

If we are adding a slicer to the pivot table, as depicted above, based on the Sales Representative, that is the requirement, so in this particular scenario we can make use of the Insert Slicer option available under the Analyze tab; this will enable us to select the category for the slicers.

And by just clicking on the OK option we will be adding the required Sales Representative slicer to the respective selected worksheet.

Key takeaways regarding the use of PivotTable Slicer

The various Key takeaways regarding the use of the PivotTable Slicer in Microsoft Excel are as follows:

1. Pivot table slicers act as intuitive filtering tools within pivot tables, offering a visual interface with clickable buttons to filter and display specific data subsets swiftly.
2. They transparently showcase existing filter conditions applied to pivot tables, aiding users in understanding which data is currently visible and which is hidden.
3. Slicers can be connected to one or more pivot tables, enabling them to function as movable filters across multiple datasets. This facilitates consistent filtering and comprehensive data exploration.
4. Adding the slicer to the respective pivot table is often quite simple. Options are made available in the "Insert" tab, and the "Analyze" tab, or one can directly add it from the PivotTable Fields window.

Advantages of PivotTable Slicer

The various advantages of using PivotTable Slicer in Microsoft Excel are as follows:

1. It helps in enhancing interactivity: The PivotTable slicers in Microsoft Excel mainly provide users with a highly interactive way to effectively filter the data and also to analyze the data within the selected PivotTables. Unlike the traditional filters, which require users to input the criteria manually and select the options from the dropdown menus, slicers mainly offer a more intuitive as well as visual interface. Users can now dynamically select the specific criteria as well as the values by just clicking on the buttons and the items in the slicer lists, instantly updating the PivotTable in order to display the filtered results effectively.

2. Helps in improving Visual Representation: One of the key advantages of using the PivotTable slicers is none other than their ability to easily provide a clear and intuitive visual representation of the filter options. Since Slicers typically display buttons and lists representing unique values from one or more fields in the underlying dataset, this particular visual representation makes it easier for the users to understand and also to navigate the huge sets of data, as they can quickly identify the available filter choices at a glance. In addition to this, slicers can be easily customized to fit the layout and design of the Microsoft Excel worksheet, thus enhancing the overall visual appeal of the PivotTable report.

3. Streamlining the analysis of the Data: In Microsoft Excel, the PivotTable slicers help us to streamline the analysis of the data process by quickly enabling the users to isolate the specific points of the data as well as the trends. And by just applying the filters to the PivotTable reports by using slicers, users can now focus on their analysis of the relevant subsets of the data, by eliminating the need to sift through the huge sets of data manually. More often, this streamlined approach to the analysis of the data saves time and effort, thus allowing users to extract insights easily and make informed decisions more efficiently.

4. User-Friendly Interface: It was well known that the Slicers are mainly designed to be intuitive and to be user-friendly, making them accessible to all users of all skill levels. Unlike the complex formulas or the manual manipulation of the data, which can be intimidating for novice users, the respective slicers provide a straightforward way to interact with the selected PivotTable data efficiently and easily. Despite this, the visual nature of the slicers usually eliminates the need for the users to have a deep understanding of the Microsoft Excel functions as well as the manipulation of the data techniques, thus allowing them to focus on analyzing the data itself.

5. Consistent Filtering of the data: The respective PivotTable slicers in Microsoft Excel offer the ability to easily maintain consistent filtering across the multiple PivotTables within the same workbook. By just connecting all the slicers to the multiple PivotTables, the respective users can now ensure that the filters applied to one of the PivotTables automatically propagate to the others, as this will help us to maintain the integrity of the data as well as the accuracy of the data, as users can be confident that they are working with the consistent subsets of the data across the different reports and with the given worksheets. In addition to this, the slicers usually provide a visual indicator of the applied filters, making it easy for the users to easily understand and track the filtering criteria that are being used in each of the PivotTable.

6. It offers flexibility and customization: Microsoft Excel mainly provides a range of options for the purpose of customizing the PivotTable slicers to fit the user's preferences and needs. Slicers can now be resized, repositioned, and can also be styled to match the layout as well as the design of the Microsoft Excel worksheet. Users can also choose which fields to display in the slicer, thus allowing them to focus on the most relevant filter options for their analysis effectively. In addition to this, slicers can be easily connected to multiple fields or with the PivotTables, enabling users to easily create complex filtering scenarios and tailor out the reporting solutions effectively

How to create A Pivot Table Slicer in Microsoft Excel?

The Pivot_Table slicer in Microsoft Excel can be easily created by just following the below-mentioned methods as well in an effective manner:

1. From the Insert Tab
2. From the Analyze Tab
3. From the PivotTable Fields Pane

But before we see the methods mentioned above for adding a pivot table slicer, we shall see the following steps to create a pivot table effectively.

Step 1: To begin firstly we are required to create a pivot table for the whole set of the data. Then click on the cell available in the selected range of the data set. If not then we will be selecting out the required set of data range, and going to select the Insert tab and from there will choose the PivotTable option for the purpose of Creating PivotTable window.

Step 2: And now in this step, we need to select out the source data and then open the Create Pivot Table, the first field, Table/Range, will be get updated automatically. Despite this we can also make use of the Location field to display the pivot table.

Step 3: At last we will be clicking on the Ok option the pivot table to our desired location.

Now, we shall be seeing the methods in order to create a pivot table slicer in Microsoft Excel.

#Method 1: From the Insert Tab

For this particular method, we must first click on the pivot table and then select the Insert tab. After that, we will choose the Slicer option to open the Insert Slicers window.

#Method 2: By making us of the Analyzing tab

Step 1: Click on the Pivot table, and then we are required to select the Analyze tab, after that we will be choosing the Insert Slicer option to open the Insert Slicers window effectively.

Step 2: By performing the above steps, we will now encounter a window that is none other than the Insert Slicers window.

Step 3: In this step we will be selecting the field for which we require slicer for our respective pivot table.

Step 4: Finally, we will click on the OK button, which will display the required slicer for the selected pivot table.

Method 3: By making use of the Pivot Table Fields Pane

In order to make the PivotTable Fields window visible we need to click on the Pivot table. After that we are required to need to right-click on the field based upon which we are required to create the slicer from the fields listed in the PivotTable Fields window, and will choose Add as Slicer option from the given menu.

Basic Example

Here, for this example, we have considered the table below listing the names of the students and the scores which have been scored in their respective subjects, Mathematics and in Science. And for this data we need to create Pivot table and slicer so the below mentioned steps need to be followed down to achieve this in an effective manner.

Step 1: Firstly we are required to create the pivot table for the whole set of the data and then need to click on a cell within the range of the data set. After that we will be going to the "Insert" tab and need to select the "PivotTable." By doing this, we will encounter the window where we can actually set our PivotTable window effectively.

Step 2: Now, let us make sure that the selected date range is correct in the first field of the window. Next, choose where we actually want the pivot table to appear. For this example, let us put it in cell A23 on the current worksheet respectively.

After that we will be clicking on the OK option to open the PivotTable Fields pane, and by doing this we will be encountered with the space in the cell A23.

Step 3: In this particular step, we are required to click on the required fields, which are eventually listed in the respective "PivotTable Fields window." After that, we are required to drag the items to place them in the required sections in order to obtain the pivot table below.

Step 4: In this step, we are required to select cell 24, update cell A24, and update the column heading to "Student."

After that, we are required to select cell B23 to update the filter name to "Subject," as depicted below.

Performing the above step will make the pivot table in the clearer format.

Step 5: To effectively incorporate a slicer into our Excel pivot table, we need to click on a cell within the pivot table, navigate through the "Insert" tab, and click on the "Slicer." Doing this will prompt the "Insert Slicers" window to appear on our screen.

In addition to this we can also right-click on a desired cell within the PivotTableFields window and then choose Analyze and from this tab choose Insert Slicer effectively.

And by following the entire mentioned step, we will be get encountered with the Insert Slicers window on our screen.

Step 6: Within the "Insert Slicers" window, we can choose the field which we wish to make use of as the slicer, like "Subject", and then we need to click on the "Ok" button. This step will now create a slicer that allows for the interactive filtering of our respective pivot table data based on selected subjects; the slicer offers an intuitive means to filter down the pivot tables, streamlining the process of analyzing and visualizing data. And once added we can click on the respective slicer buttons to instantly filter our pivot table, thus providing greater control over the process of data analysis.

In alternatives to the above steps we will be clicking on the pivot table for the purpose of making the PivotTable Fields window visible, and then will be right-clicking on the Subject field which is listed in the window, and then we need to select the Add as Slicer option from the pop-up menu respectively.

This particular method will directly add the Subject upon the slicer to the selected pivot table.

Now here in this we will be click on the subject name option which is available in the slicer for whom we are required to check the students' scores in the selected pivot table. And for instance, we will be clicking on the Science option available in the slicer will then filter and display the chosen subject data in the pivot table, as depicted below.

Examples

#Example 1: Displaying the State-wise Population for the USA

Here, in this example, we shall be seeing a pivot table slicer with multiple columns. More often, we have considered the table mentioned below, which usually depicts the US state-wise population statistics.

The requirement which is required to build a pivot table for the given data and to add a slicer within the multiple columns, we need to follow some basic steps, which are mentioned below:

Step 1: We begin by navigating to our respective Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, which contains the dataset. Then, we need to click on the respective cells within the dataset range to ensure Excel recognizes the data that we want to analyze. If our dataset spans multiple non-contiguous areas, then we need to select each area by clicking and dragging over it while holding down the Ctrl key from our respective keyboard. This action will ensure that all the relevant data is included.

Then moving to the "Insert" tab available on the Excel ribbon. Within the "Tables" group, locate and click on the "PivotTable." Doing so will prompt Excel to open the "Create PivotTable" window, where we can define the parameters for our pivot table.

Step 2: In the "Create PivotTable" window, the first field should display the range of our selected data. Then, double-check to ensure this range is accurate; if not, adjust it accordingly. Then, decide where we actually want the pivot table to appear select an existing worksheet by just clicking on a cell A13 within it and choose the "Existing Worksheet" option to create a separate sheet for the pivot table. Once we have confirmed the source data range and determined the pivot table's location, then need to click "OK" to generate the pivot table.

Excel will then process the data and create a new table that summarizes and organizes the information based on our specifications. This pivot table will provide a dynamic and interactive way to analyze and visualize our dataset, allowing us to gain insights and make informed decisions based on our data.

After that we will be clicking on the OK option to open the PivotTable Fields pane, and by doing this we will be encountered with the space.

Step 3: In this step, we will drag out the required fields, which are listed in the PivotTable Fields window in the respective sections of the pane, as clearly depicted in the image below.

Step 4: Now, in this particular step, we are required to select the cell range, which ranges from cell C14 to cell C23, and then we need to click Home ? Number Format ? More Number Formats to open the Format Cells window respectively.

After that we must need to select the Number category that is available under the Number tab and then need to set the number format of the population figures same as the data source, as depicted in the images below:

After processing with the above steps we must need to click on the OK option respectively.

After that we are required to make selection of the cell A13 and then need to update the column name to the US State respectively.

We must need to click on the first field in the Values area in the given PivotTable Fields window and then select the Value Field Settings option for the purpose of opening the Value Field Settings window.

Just after that we are required to update the Custom Name field to depict the customized name for the respective selected field in the pivot table and then click on the OK option.

Here after that, we must need iterate the previous action for the second field in the Values section of the Pivot Table Fields window as well

Step 5: Now in this step, we are required to click on the pivot table for the purpose of enable the Analyze tab and then need to select the Insert Slicer option to open the Insert Slicers window.

After processing the above step, we are about to select the US State field and need to click on the OK option, which is depicted in the Insert Slicers window.

Step 6: In this step, the US State-based slicer will appear on our screen, as clearly depicted below.

And in the Option tab we need to set the Columns field to 2 to depicts out the two columns in the slicer and achieve a slicer with the multiple columns respectively.

And with the slicer selected we will be then dragging the slicer border to expand it and show the state names clearly.

After that we can now click on the state name available under the slicer for which we required to filter and needs to depict the data in the selected pivot table.

Furthermore, we can also click on the Multi-Select icon or press the shortcut keys from our respective keyboard, which is Alt + S, to select multiple options.

Lastly we will be clicking on the Clear Filter icon to clear the applied filter in the slicer respectively.

#Example 2: Weekly Price Change for the Top 5 Cryptocurrencies

Here in this example, we will be seeing how we can easily create a pivot table slicer search box with an example. And the below mentioned table usually depicts the weekly change in price for the top five cryptocurrency companies in terms of percentage respectively.

Now, for the purpose of creating a pivot table slicer search box, the steps are as follows:

Step 1: To start, we will click on a cell within the selected dataset. Then, we will navigate to the "Insert" tab available at the top of our Excel window and need to click on "PivotTable "to open the Create PivotTable window.

Step 2: In this step, in the "Create PivotTable" window, we need to ensure that the range of the data is correctly updated in the first field. Then need to specify the location to display the pivot table.

After that we will be clicking on the OKoption to open the PivotTable Fields pane, and by doing this we will be encountered with the space in the cell A23.

Step 3: Now, we will encounter the "PivotTable Fields," and we need to drag the respective fields from this window into the respective sections available in the pivot table pane to organize our data effectively.

Step 4: In this step, to enhance the clarity of our respective pivot table, we will select the cell range B24:B28 to display the weekly change in price. After that, we will move to the "Home" tab, click on "Number Format," and choose "Percentage" to depict the figures as percentages.

In addition to this, we can select cell A23 and update the column heading as Week.

Step 4 will ensure the pivot table is more meaningful.

Step 5: In this step, we will click on the pivot table to easily activate the "Analyze" tab. From there, we will select "Insert Slicer" to open the Insert Slicers window.

Next, check the box next to the "Cryptocurrency Company" field box and click on the "OK" option in the Insert Slicers window respectively.

And by processing with the above step we will be obtaining the Cryptocurrency Company-based slicer respectively.

Then, with the slicer selected, we need to drag its border outward to expand it so that the slicer title is visible.

Step 6: In this step, we will be moving the slicer to create space for copying as well as pasting the pivot table again to form the search box for the slicer, respectively.

Moving to the slicer primarily depicts a pivot table slicer vs. filter comparison factor. While we can move slicers according to our requirements, we cannot move a filter because it remains locked with a column and row.

Then, we need to select the entire pivot table and press the shortcut button from our respective keyboard, which is Ctrl + C, to copy it. We then need to select cell E23 and press Ctrl + V to paste the pivot table effectively.

Step 7: In this particular step, we need to click on the pivot table in cell E23 to enable the PivotTable Fields window. After that, we need to deselect the fields in the PivotTable Fields window to clear them from the respective sections as well.

After that, we need to drag the Cryptocurrency Company field to the respective Filters section in the PivotTable Fields window. We need to perform this action because the added slicer is Cryptocurrency Company field-based, and we require the search box for the same field effectively.

Then, we need to select the pivot table filter in the cell ranging from cell E21 to cell F21 and press the Ctrl + X shortcut from our respective keyboard to cut it.

Now, select cell E23 and press Ctrl + V to paste the filter in the target cell ranging from cell E23 to cell F23, respectively.

Step 8: Next, we need to select cell F23 and then right-click to select the PivotTable Options from the respective context menu.

The PivotTable Options window opens. We need to unselect the option highlighted in the image below to avoid column width with the Autofit on update and click on the OK option.

This step will ensure that the chosen cell's column width remains the same when we select an option using the drop-down button. However, the cell column width will be adjustable effectively.

Step 9: Now, in this step, we need to drag the slicer to the column F and then adjust the column F width so that the slicer and the field's drop-down button display.

Next, we need to click the column E header and then right-click to select Hide from the context menu to hide the column.

Now, when we click on the drop-down button, the search box appears on our screen, giving the appearance of a slicer search box for the respective pivot table.

Next, we can click on a company name and click on the OK option in the search window in order to filter and display its weekly price changes in weeks 1-4 in the pivot table, respectively.

However, the above step will depict the selected company name in the slicer and its data in the selected pivot table, respectively.

Furthermore, clicking on key E on the keyboard will show the cursor in the search box, where we can actually type the company name. Then, we need to click on the OK option to apply the filter.

Thus, by comparing the pivot table slicer vs. filter, we can connect a slicer to multiple tables. Now, we can click on the slicer to enable the Options tab and use the Report Connections option to confirm to which pivot tables the slicer is currently connected.

On the other hand, a filter can connect to only one pivot table.

Points to remember

The various points to remember about the use of PivotTable Slicer in Microsoft Excel are as follows:

• The respective slicers in Microsoft Excel primarily provide a visual interface with buttons for each unique value in a field. Users can now simply click on the buttons to filter the pivot table based on their selections effectively.
• We can also add various multiple slicers to the respective pivot table, each connected to the different fields, allowing for more complex filtering options as well.
• It was well known the slicers primarily provide independent filtering; meaning selections made in one slicer would not affect the selections which are made in other slicers as well. This allows users to easily apply multiple filters simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The various frequently asked questions about the use of PivotTable Slicer in Microsoft Excel are as follows:

Question 1: What is meant by a Pivot Table Slicer in Microsoft Excel?

Answer: It was well known that a Pivot Table Slicer is termed to be the dynamic filtering tool in Microsoft Excel that provides an intuitive interface for the respective users to interactively filter out the data within the PivotTables or in the PivotCharts. Unlike the traditional filters, which can be buried within the menus and also require manual adjustments, slicers offer a visual representation of the filter options, thus making the analysis more accessible and efficient.

Question 2: How to add a Pivot Table Slicer?

Answer: Adding a Pivot Table Slicer is a very straightforward process. After the creation of our respective Pivot Table, we can click anywhere just inside it to activate the PivotTable Tools contextual tab, which is made available on the Excel ribbon as well. From there, we can easily navigate to the "Insert" tab and then click on "Slicer." We will encounter the dialog box on our screen that allows us to select the fields that we actually wish to use as the slicers. Once we are done with our selections, then we will click on the "OK" options and the slicers will be added to our respective worksheets.

Question 3: Is it possible to make use of the multiple Pivot Table Slicers in Microsoft Excel?

Answer: Yes, it is very obvious that our respective Microsoft Excel usually allows users to easily utilize multiple Pivot Table Slicers simultaneously. Each slicer usually corresponds to a specific field in the given Pivot Table, providing users with the flexibility to filter out the data across the various dimensions and attributes.

• For example, we can now make use of the slicers to easily filter out the sales data by region, product category, or period, thus allowing for more nuanced analysis as well as insights, respectively.

Question 4: How to easily customize a Pivot Table Slicer?

Answer: The customization of the Pivot Table Slicers usually enables users to easily tailor the appearance as well as the functionality of the slicers in order to suit their specific needs and preferences as well; just after selecting a slicer, options like size, colors, styles, as well as the layout which can be adjusted by just making use of the tools which are made available under the "Slicer Tools" which is a contextual tab on the Excel ribbon. In addition to this, users can apply custom slicer styles and themes to ensure consistency with the overall design of their workbook.

Question 5: Is it possible to connect a Pivot Table Slicer to multiple Pivot Tables in Microsoft Excel?

Answer: Yes, Microsoft Excel usually allows users to easily connect with a single Pivot Table Slicer to multiple Pivot Tables, thus enabling synchronized filtering across the related data sets. By just establishing the report connections between the slicers and the Pivot Tables, users can now ensure that filtering of the actions applied to one Pivot Table is reflected in others, facilitating comprehensive data analysis as well as exploration.

Question 6: Can we make use of the Pivot Table Slicers with the regular data tables?

Answer: No, Pivot Table Slicers are quite specifically designed to work with Pivot Tables and PivotCharts, leveraging the underlying data model to provide dynamic filtering capabilities. However, Microsoft Excel usually offers other built-in filtering options, like AutoFilter, which can be used with regular data tables to achieve similar results effectively.

Question 7: Do Pivot Table Slicers work in Microsoft Excel Online?

Answer: Yes, Pivot Table Slicers are usually supported in Excel Online, allowing users to filter data and analyze Pivot Tables in web-based Excel applications. While the core functionality of slicers remains intact, some advanced customization options may be limited compared to the desktop version of Excel.