Extending a pivot table in Excel - how to do it

Once you have created a pivot table in Microsoft Excel, you can still edit and adjust the scope of the source data and change the layout afterwards. Get an overview of the options for extending pivot tables in Excel and learn what you need to keep in mind.

Adjusting source data: here's how to extend a pivot table

If you want to extend a pivot table in Excel, the first thing you need to do is edit the source data. Note, however, that complications can arise if you essentially change the source data. For example, if you want to add new columns to your pivot table or remove columns, it is often better to create a new table.

1. Open the document containing the pivot table and click the table.
2. Switch to the "PivotTable Analysis" tab.
3. Under the "Data" item, click the "Change Data Source" option.
4. If the source data is in the same document, select the "Select Table or Range" option and adjust the selection range.
5. If the data is outsourced to an external file, select the "Use external data source" option and click "Select connection" to specify an existing connection.
6. Finally, click "OK" to apply the changes.

Change pivot table layout - this is how it works

If you want to reorganize your pivot table, there are several ways you can go about it.

• You can change the arrangement and display of the table via the table settings. Klicken Sie dafür einfach die Tabelle an und wählen Sie in der Registerkarte „PivotTable-Analyse“ den Punkt „Optionen“ aus.
• Haben Sie die Pivot-Tabelle ausgewählt, wird Ihnen außerdem das Fenster „PivotTable-Felder“ angezeigt, über das Sie gezielt das Layout bearbeiten können.