Microsoft Excel

Excel PivotTables

Learn to summarise a clean dataset without changing source rows and refresh and validate the summary against source totals in this beginner-friendly Microsoft 365 lesson.

Learning outcomes

Explain how to summarise a clean dataset without changing source rows.
Complete the guided practice safely.
Check that you can refresh and validate the summary against source totals.

Before you begin

Open Excel and create a blank practice workbook. Use sample information rather than confidential business data.

Open official Microsoft guidance ↗

Step-by-step instructions

Open Excel and a blank practice workbook and confirm you are using the intended account.
Create a PivotTable that totals sample sales by category.
Pause and check permissions, filenames, recipients, dates or settings that affect the task.
Test the result: refresh and validate the summary against source totals.
Save the workbook to OneDrive and check that formulas, formatting and labels still display correctly.

Ian's practical tip: Use sample information first. Once the workflow is correct, repeat it with approved work information and the minimum necessary access.

Practical activity

Create a PivotTable that totals sample sales by category. Your expected result is to refresh and validate the summary against source totals.

Good-practice checklist

I used the correct account and approved sample information. I completed and tested the activity. I checked sharing, privacy and the saved result.