5 WAYS TO USE SLICERS TO FILTER DATA IN PIVOTTABLES AND CHARTS

Slicers are a modern and interactive way to filter data in PivotTables and Pivot Charts. They provide a visual, button-based interface that is far more intuitive and user-friendly than traditional filter dropdowns. Instead of navigating through a list of checkboxes, you can simply click on a slicer button to instantly filter your data. When used effectively, slicers can transform a static report into a dynamic dashboard that allows users to explore data with ease, making presentations more engaging and analysis more efficient.

5 Ways to Use Slicers to Filter Data in PivotTables and Charts

Here are The 5 Ways to Use Slicers to Filter Data in PivotTables and Charts

• USE SLICERS WITH PIVOTTABLES

  The most common use of slicers is to filter data in a PivotTable. To add a slicer, simply click anywhere inside your PivotTable, go to the 'PivotTable Analyze' tab, and select 'Insert Slicer.' A dialog box will come with a list of all the fields in your data. Check the boxes for the fields you want to use as slicers and click 'OK.' You can then use the buttons on the slicer to instantly filter your PivotTable data, and the visual feedback of the selected buttons makes it clear what data is currently being displayed.

  
  

• CONNECT MULTIPLE PIVOTTABLES TO A SINGLE SLICER

  One of the most powerful features of slicers is the ability to connect a single slicer to multiple PivotTables and charts. This allows you to filter an entire dashboard with just one click. To do this, right-click on the slicer and select 'Report Connections.' In the dialog box, you will find a list of all PivotTables in your workbook. Check the boxes for all the tables you want to filter with that slicer. Now, when you click a button on the slicer, all connected PivotTables will update automatically.

  
  

• USE SLICERS TO FILTER PIVOTCHARTS

  Slicers aren't just for tables; they are also an excellent tool for filtering PivotCharts. A PivotChart is a chart that is linked to a PivotTable, and it will update automatically when the PivotTable is filtered. By using slicers to filter your PivotTable, you are also, in effect, filtering the PivotChart. This creates a highly dynamic and interactive visual dashboard where you can change the view of your charts with just a few clicks.

  
  

• USE SLICERS TO FILTER STANDARD EXCEL TABLES

  While slicers are most commonly associated with PivotTables, they can also be used to filter regular Excel tables. To use a slicer with a standard table, you must first format your data as a table (go to the 'Insert' tab and click 'Table'). Once your data is formatted, click anywhere inside the table, go to the 'Table Design' tab, and click 'Insert Slicer.' From there, the process is the same as with PivotTables, allowing you to use a visual interface to filter your table data.

  
  

• CUSTOMIZE THE SLICER'S LOOK AND FEEL

  Slicers are highly customizable, allowing you to match their appearance to your workbook's theme. You can change the color and style of your slicer by selecting it and then navigating to the 'Slicer' tab that appears on the ribbon. From there, you can choose from a gallery of styles or even create your own custom style. Additionally, you can adjust the number of columns, the button size, and the overall dimensions of the slicer to fit your dashboard layout.

  
  

Slicers are a simple yet powerful feature that can improve the user experience of your Excel reports. By providing a clean and intuitive way to filter data, they make it easy for anyone to interact with and explore your spreadsheets. Whether you're building a complex dashboard or a simple report, using slicers will make your workbooks more dynamic, engaging, and professional.