We can customize our pivot table dates to be displayed in different ways. In simple steps, we will explore how to sort, filter, group and format our pivot table dates easily.
Figure 1 – Example of how to deal with pivot dates
Setting up the Data
- We will set up our Excel data to contain an array of columns and rows
- Our Dates will be listed in Column A
- Column B will contain our products
- Sales will be held in Column C
Figure 2 – Setting up the Data
- Lastly, we will create our pivot table by selecting Insert, then Pivot Table. After that, we will assign Date and Products to the Rows label as well as the Sales to the Values section
Figure 3 – Pivot Table Fields
Figure 4 – Setting up the Pivot table
How To Group Pivot Table Dates
- We can group our pivot table date by month, day, quarter, week, and year
- We will right-click on any date and select Group
- In the Group dialog, we will find different options. For example, to group by day, we will select Day, enter the Starting and Ending date, and then, click OK. We can also ungroup data by right-clicking on any date and select ungroup
Figure 5 – How to group pivot table date
How To Sort Pivot Table Dates
We can equally sort our dates from the most recent sales to the oldest and vice versa. To do this, we will right-click on any of the dates, select “sort”, and lastly, click “Newest to Oldest.”
Figure 6 – How to sort pivot table date
Insert a Timeline
- We can insert a pivot table timeline for filtering our pivot table dates.
- We will click on the pivot table, select the Analyze tab in the Pivot Table Tools, and click Insert Timeline
Figure 7- Insert Timeline
- We will select Date and drag the scroll bar to choose the specific period we want
Figure 8 – Insert a timeline
Change Date Formatting In Pivot Table
To change the pivot table date format:
- We will Ungroup Date
- We will right-click on any cell in the date field of the pivot table
- We will select Field Settings, Number format
Figure 9- Field Settings Dialog box
- We will change to the Date formatting in the format cells window and press OK
Figure 10- Format Cells Dialog box
Figure 11 – How to change pivot table formatting
Insert a Filter For a Specific Date Range
- We will click the dropdown arrow on the Rows Label heading
- We will select Field name, then Date filters, and click Between
Figure 12- Using filters
- In the Between dialog box, we will type the desired start and end dates
Figure 13 – Date filters
Figure 14 – How to insert date filters into the pivot table
Instant Connection to an Expert through our Excelchat Service
Most of the time, the problem you will need to solve will be more complex than a simple application of a formula or function. If you want to save hours of research and frustration, try our live Excelchat service! Our Excel Experts are available 24/7 to answer any Excel question you may have. We guarantee a connection within 30 seconds and a customized solution within 20 minutes.
Leave a Comment