pivot table v formulae

[Harvey Waxman]

Can the same information be extracted from data using a pivot table as by using
a formula? I have some pretty complex formulas that I have to use (with lots
of help from this group) and I was wondering if a pivot table would simplify
generating these reports or is there more to it?

Thanks

 

[JE McGimpsey]

Can the same information be extracted from data using a pivot table
as by using a formula? I have some pretty complex formulas that I
have to use (with lots of help from this group) and I was wondering
if a pivot table would simplify generating these reports or is there
more to it?

Depends on your formula(e). In general, Pivot Tables are very powerful
and very efficient at grouping and extracting summary data.

See here for help on PTs:

http://peltiertech.com/Excel/Pivots/pivotstart.htm

In addition, Deb Dalgleish has a huge amount of info on PT use:

http://www.contextures.com/tiptech.html

 

[Dr. Harvey Waxman]

Depends on your formula(e). In general, Pivot Tables are very powerful
and very efficient at grouping and extracting summary data.

Bottom line: is there anything a pivot table can show that couldn't be shown
with a formula and visa versa?

See here for help on PTs:

http://peltiertech.com/Excel/Pivots/pivotstart.htm

In addition, Deb Dalgleish has a huge amount of info on PT use:

http://www.contextures.com/tiptech.html

I'm working through them now. And thanks once again

 

[JE McGimpsey]

Bottom line: is there anything a pivot table can show that couldn't be shown
with a formula and visa versa?

There are almost always alternative ways to do things in XL. Pivot
Tables can very efficiently take the place of multiple formulae.
However, they can't take the place of every function or combination of
functions.

Work your way through Help and the links on Deb's site. That should give
you a good feel for when a PT is appropriate.