Pivot Charts and Visual Reporting
Desliza para mostrar el menú
Pivot Tables help you analyze data. Pivot Charts help you communicate it. In real reporting environments, accountants and analysts are expected not only to calculate results but to present them clearly to management. This chapter focuses on turning Pivot analysis into visual insights.
Why Pivot Charts Matter in Practice
Executives rarely read large tables. They want to understand quickly:
- Which category performs best?
- How is revenue distributed?
- Whether performance is balanced or concentrated?
- How do trends evolve over time?
What Is a Pivot Chart?
A Pivot Chart is directly connected to a Pivot Table. Key difference from regular charts:
- It updates automatically when the Pivot changes;
- It responds to slicers and timelines;
- It reflects grouping and filtering instantly.
How to Insert a Pivot Chart
- Click inside a Pivot Table;
- Go to PivotTable Analyze;
- Click PivotChart;
- Choose a chart type.



Choosing the Right Chart Type
Chart Type | Best For | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
Column Chart | Comparing values across categories | Comparing categories, comparing regions, showing contribution side by side |
Bar Chart | Ranking comparison | When category names are long, when horizontal layout improves readability |
Line Chart | Time-based analysis | Time trends, monthly or quarterly performance |
Pie Chart | Simple proportional view | Showing % of total, few categories only |
Avoid 3D charts and excessive styling in financial reporting. Clarity is more important than decoration.
a) Create Pivot Table #1:
- Rows: Category;
- Values: Sum of Revenue.
Insert a Column Pivot Chart based on this Pivot Table.
b) Create Pivot Table #2:
- Rows: Date (grouped by Month);
- Values: Sum of Revenue.
Insert a Line Pivot Chart for monthly trend.
c) Add Slicer for Region and Timeline for Date;
d) Connect slicers to both Pivot Tables.
Final Scenario:
- Filter Timeline to Quarter 2 only;
- Select Regions: East, South, West;
- Identify which category performs best under these conditions.
¡Gracias por tus comentarios!
Pregunte a AI
Pregunte a AI
Pregunte lo que quiera o pruebe una de las preguntas sugeridas para comenzar nuestra charla