Comparing Year-Over-Year Values Using the Pivot Table

In the previous section, we experimented with calculated columns and conditional formatting as a way to analyse and find anomalies in the data.

Although the pivot table is a useful and powerful tool, it does have some deficiencies. In this step, you’ll discover some pivot table limitations and how these limitations can be overcome.

Comparisons

One limitation of pivot tables is the ability to view comparative data. It’s not possible to use calculated columns in your pivot table to visualise your comparative data.

To get around this, you can create a column outside of your pivot table to reference data from your pivot table. This will result in the GETPIVOTDATA function.

The disadvantage of combining pivot data with non-pivot data is that you are unable to visualise the data in a chart.

Join the discussion

Why, in your opinion, is it vital for the growth of a business to compare year-over-year data?

Use the Discussion section below and let us know your thoughts. Try to respond to at least one other post and once you’re happy with your contribution, click the Mark as Complete button to move on to the next step.