Economics and Finance Report: Pivot Table Analysis and Tips

This report delves into the application of pivot tables within the realm of economics and finance. It begins with a definition of pivot tables as a statistical tool used for arranging and summarizing data in a tabular structure, particularly in Microsoft Excel. The report emphasizes the tool's utility in handling and interpreting large datasets by allowing the reorganization of rows and columns to derive meaningful insights without altering the original data. Furthermore, the report provides a series of practical tips for efficient pivot table usage, including how to summarize data, format numerical data correctly, add calculated metrics, manage error values, and utilize features like slicers and timelines for focused data analysis. The report also covers grouping data and other functions to facilitate a deeper understanding and implementation of pivot tables for financial analysis.

Running head: ECONOMICS AND FINANCE
Economics and Finance
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1ECONOMICS AND FINANCE
Table of Contents
Pivot Table:......................................................................................................................................2
Tips for Pivot Table:........................................................................................................................2
References........................................................................................................................................3

2ECONOMICS AND FINANCE
Pivot Table:
A pivot table is a statistical tool, useful for arranging and summarizing data in a tabular
structure, which can be done in Microsoft Excel. The pivot table has provision for reorganization
of rows and columns of a data set according to need and for getting the desired outcome. This
operation is particularly helpful in handling and interpreting big data sets as this statistical tool
does not change the data but helps in viewing and interpreting the same data from different
perspectives (Dierenfeld &Merceron, 2012).
Tips for Pivot Table:
There are several tricks and tips which can be beneficial for using Pivot Table more efficiently
(Walkenbach, 2013):
 To find the summarization of the desired information, the following path can be
followed:
Pivot Table Tools -> Analyze -> Field Settings -> Summarize value field by
 For proper interpretation of numerical data:
Pivot Table Tools -> Analyze -> Field Settings -> Number Format
 To add the personally calculated metrics:
Pivot Table Tools -> Analyze -> Fields, Items and Sets -> Calculated Field
 In cases where there is an error message:
Pivot Table Tools -> Analyze -> Options -> For error values show
 For assessing the grand total:
Pivot Table Tools -> Analyze -> Options -> Totals and Filters -> Grand Totals

3ECONOMICS AND FINANCE
 For slicing for the derivation of the desired data:
Pivot Table Tools -> Analyze -> Insert Slicer
 For slicing the concerned data such that data can be derived for a particular time period to
test their value:
Pivot Table Tools -> Analyze -> Insert Timeline
 For grouping the data according to categories desired:
Select Data -> Right Click -> Group, Subtotal
Apart from this many other convenient functions can be done with the help of this tool which
are also easy to understand and implement.
References
Walkenbach, J. (2013). Excel 2003 bible (Vol. 36). John Wiley & Sons.
Walkenbach, J. (2013). Excel 2013 formulas. John Wiley & Sons.