Google Sheets / 6 min read
Google Sheets Pivot Table Basics
Create a simple Google Sheets pivot table for category totals, status counts, date summaries, and quick spreadsheet reports.
A pivot table summarizes raw rows into grouped totals or counts. Clean the source data first, then choose one row field, one value field, and one optional filter.
Check this first
- Confirm the source table has clear headers.
- Remove blank header cells before creating the pivot table.
- Use consistent category labels in the source data.
- Refresh or update the pivot source when new rows are added.
What a pivot table is for
A pivot table turns a flat spreadsheet table into a summary. Instead of writing several formulas by hand, you can group rows by category, status, owner, month, or another field.
It is a strong first reporting tool because it is visual, fast, and easier for many spreadsheet users than nested formulas.
A simple setup pattern
Start with one question: what do you want to count or sum, and by what category? For example, count tasks by status or sum invoice amounts by client.
- Rows: the category you want to group by.
- Values: the number, amount, or count to summarize.
- Filters: optional controls such as date, owner, or status.
Source data matters
Pivot tables are only as clean as the source data. Inconsistent labels such as Done, done, and Completed will create separate groups unless you standardize them first.