Problems selecting data to put in Pivot table

[hellcat83]

Hi

I'm trying to create a pivot table of some data that I've been workiong on. The issue I'm having is that the data columns in the sheet have been ordered because I had to do it in that order, but not every column has data in it that I would want to put in a pviot table. When I try to select several ranges like I might for a function or standard chart, I keep getting errors.

Am I entering them wrong, or does the data for a pivot table have to be in one solid block? If that's the case it's fine, but I can;t find the answer to this question anywhere else.

Cheers
Jim

 

[Norie]

Jim

The data for a pivot table usually comes from a contiguous range.

If you don't want certain columns in the pivot table you just don't add them

 

[hellcat83]

Hi

This may sound really silly, but having searched for that its still confusing me. Simply but if I have full sets of data in columns A,B & C, can I only include columns A & C in the pivot table, leaving B out?

Jim

 

[Norie]

Jim

Yes, just don't add that column when you set the row/colum/data fields for the pivot table.

 

[hellcat83]

I've tried that, but keeps saying "data source reference isn't valid". I'm using excel 2010 if that makes a difference.

I am right in inserting a pivot table, then selecting the range like any other chart, etc. Right?

 

[Norie]

As far as I know you need to select the range either before you goto Insert>Pivot Table or on the first step of the Pivot Table wizard.

 

[kenny9002]

As far as I know you need to select the range either before you goto Insert>Pivot Table or on the first step of the Pivot Table wizard.

Hi Norie, I read Jim's Post and your responses. I was, myself, working on a Pivot Table. I decided to try your suggestions (I use Excel 2003), it did not work. I selected some columns, leaving out those that I did not wish to include. But the message I kept getting was same as that which Jim got.

Is there any way round this, as, like Jim, I would also wish to select some columns and leave out those I do not wish to include while creating a Pivot Table.

Could you or any other forum member help clarify, please.

Kenny

 

[Norie]

Kenny

Perhaps I didn't explain it too well.

You select all the columns in the range with data.

For example if you wanted to create the pivot table with columns A and C you would select A, B and C.

Then when it comes to adding fields to the pivot table you don't add column B.

 

[kenny9002]

Norie,

Thanks for your kind response. I don't know what version of Excel you have. I have Excel 2003. My experience is this: when I select all the columns in the range as you suggested, the Pivot Table automatically creates the fields based on all the columns that were selected. The said fields show in the box on the right hand side from where you drag them out to create the Pivot Table. Except you are suggesting that after the fields have been automatically created, one could delete the unwanted fields.

But in my experience, the moment you select all the columns with headings/titles, the fields or headings for each of those columns are automatically created for you. I do not know how one can prevent this from happening. Please kindly clarify.

Thanks.

Kenny

 

[Norie]

Those fields on the left have not been created on the pivot table.

It's just a list of fields you can add to the table.