Start a conversation ↗

Description

Excel — PivotTables: Preparing the Data Source, Cross-Tabulating and Presenting Results

Produce in a few clicks the summary that used to be rebuilt filter by filter and formula by formula

  • 1 day — 7 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Foundation
  • Up to 6 participants

Every month the same extract is reworked by hand: filters applied one at a time, totals copied into a second tab and the chart redrawn. As soon as a manager asks for the same analysis by region rather than by product, everything starts again. Discrepancies between two versions of the same figure steadily erode confidence in the reporting.

This 7-hour day is devoted to cross-tabulating data. Participants first learn how to turn a raw extract into a workable data source, then build PivotTables: field layout, grouping, totals and percentages, slicers and charts. A sales extract very close to the files handled in real organisations runs through the whole day.

Learning objectives

  • Turn a data extract into a source that a PivotTable can use
  • Create a PivotTable and arrange fields in rows, columns and values
  • Change the summary function and display results as percentages
  • Group dates and numeric values by period or by band
  • Filter an analysis using slicers and report filters
  • Refresh an analysis after the source is updated and produce a PivotChart

What makes this programme different

A data extract close to a real corporate file runs through the entire day
The classic causes of PivotTable failure are triggered on purpose and then corrected live
Each participant rebuilds their own monthly report as a PivotTable before the end of the day

Programme

1Preparing the source

A clean data source before any analysis

  • Characteristics of a workable database layout
  • Removing blank rows, duplicates and merged headings
  • Date and number formats that must be checked
  • Converting a range into a table for dynamic expansion
  • Terminology of fields and records

2Building the cross-tabulation

Fields, values and grouping

  • Creating a first PivotTable
  • Arranging rows, columns, values and filters
  • Choosing the summary function
  • Displaying values as percentages and as variances
  • Grouping dates and numeric bands

3Presenting and refreshing

Readability, filters and updates

  • Formatting and report layouts for PivotTables
  • Slicers and timelines
  • Sorting results and hiding unnecessary totals
  • PivotCharts and choosing the right visual
  • Refreshing after the source data changes

Who is it for

Spreadsheet users who need to analyse sales, accounting or management data extracts.

Prerequisites

Ability to enter data and use the basic calculation functions of a spreadsheet.

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.