Pivot Table Dynamic Data Source

Create a pivot table that is based on a dynamic data source -- that is a range that adjusts automatically, if data is added or removed.

Get Started with Pivot Tables

The first step in creating a Pivot Table is to organize your data in a list of rows and columns. Make sure that there is a heading in every column, and no rows that are completely blank.

In the screen shot below,

• the list headings are in row 3
• the data is in rows 4 to 9, from column A to column H.

Set Up a Dynamic Data Source

Next, set up the data range as a dynamic range, using one of the 3 options shown below.

Advantages of using a dynamic range as a data source:

• A dynamic range will automatically expand or contract, if data is added or removed.
• You can base a pivot table on the dynamic range. Then, when you refresh the pivot table, it will include all of the data in the range, even if new rows have been added.

Option 1 -- Named Table

In Excel 2007 and later versions, you can format your list as a Named Table, and use that as the dynamic source for your Pivot Table.

There are detailed instructions here: Excel Tables -- Creating an Excel Table.

To see the steps in creating an Excel Table, please watch this short video tutorial.

Option 2 -- List

In Excel 2003, use the List feature to create a dynamic list. It is a built-in tool that will create a List object on the worksheet.

To create a List:

• Select a cell in the list
• Click the Data menu, click List, then click Create List

  

• In the Create List dialog box, check that the range is correct, and fix the range, if necessary
• Add a check mark to the "My List has Headers" option.
• Click OK

When a cell in the List is selected, the list has a solid blue border around it, and there are filter drop down arrows in the heading row. There is also a blank row at the end, where you can add new items.

Option 3 -- Formula-Based Dynamic Range

If you prefer not to use a named table or list, you can use a formula to create a dynamic range. This formula can use the INDEX or OFFSET functions to create the range.

The written instructions are here: Create a Dynamic Named Range in Excel 2003

This video shows the steps for using the OFFSET function, in Excel 2007.

Create the Pivot Table

Once you have the dynamic range set up, you can create a pivot table, based on that range.

• Excel 2013 -- Follow the instructions here.
• Excel 2010 / 2007 -- Follow the instructions here
• Excel 2003 -- follow the instructions below

Create a Pivot Table in Excel 2003

1. Select a cell in the database
2. Choose Data>PivotTable and PivotChart Report
3. Select 'Microsoft Excel List or Database', click Next.
4. For the range, type your range name, e.g. Database
5. Click Next
6. Click the Layout button
7. Drag field buttons to the row, column and data areas
8. Click OK, click Finish

Download the Sample File

You can download the zipped sample file used for this tutorial.

More Pivot Table Tutorials

How to Plan and Set Up a Pivot Table

Pivot Table Refresh

FAQs - Pivot Tables

Pivot Table Introduction

Grouping Data

Multiple Consolidation Ranges

Running Totals

Summary Functions

Clear Old Items in Pivot Table