Refreshing PivotTable data in Excel - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does refreshing a PivotTable in Excel do?

Refreshing a PivotTable updates it to show the latest data from its source. It recalculates and displays any changes made in the original data.

beginner

How can you refresh a PivotTable manually in Excel?

You can right-click anywhere inside the PivotTable and select Refresh, or go to the PivotTable Analyze tab and click the Refresh button.

beginner

What happens if you add new rows to the source data but do not refresh the PivotTable?

The PivotTable will not show the new rows until you refresh it. It only shows data that was in the source when last refreshed.

intermediate

Can a PivotTable be set to refresh automatically when opening the workbook?

Yes, you can set a PivotTable to refresh automatically by right-clicking it, choosing PivotTable Options, and checking Refresh data when opening the file.

beginner

Why is it important to refresh PivotTables regularly?

Refreshing ensures your PivotTable shows the most current and accurate data, helping you make better decisions based on up-to-date information.

What is the quickest way to refresh a PivotTable in Excel?

A Right-click inside the PivotTable and select Refresh

B Close and reopen Excel

C Delete and recreate the PivotTable

D Change the worksheet tab color

Right-clicking inside the PivotTable and selecting Refresh updates the data immediately.

If you add new data to the source table, what must you do to see it in the PivotTable?

A Refresh the PivotTable

B Save the workbook only

C Change the PivotTable layout

D Nothing, it updates automatically

You must refresh the PivotTable to include new data from the source.

Where can you find the Refresh button for a PivotTable in Excel's ribbon?

A Data tab

B Home tab

C View tab

D PivotTable Analyze tab

The Refresh button is located in the PivotTable Analyze tab when a PivotTable is selected.

How do you set a PivotTable to refresh automatically when opening the workbook?

A Use the Undo button

B Enable AutoSave

C Check 'Refresh data when opening the file' in PivotTable Options

D Change the worksheet name

This option is found in PivotTable Options and makes the PivotTable refresh on file open.

What will happen if you do not refresh a PivotTable after changing the source data?

A PivotTable deletes itself

B PivotTable shows old data

C Excel crashes

D PivotTable updates automatically

Without refreshing, the PivotTable continues to show the old data.

Explain how to refresh a PivotTable manually and why it is necessary.

Think about what you do when your data changes and you want the PivotTable to show it.

Describe how to set a PivotTable to refresh automatically when opening the Excel file.

Look in the PivotTable settings for an option about refreshing on file open.