Pivot Table Basics - Calculated Fields

Users often need to perform data based calculations that are not in the original data set. This can be done in pivot table through the "Calculated Field". A calculated field is a virtual data field created by executing a calculation against existing fields in the pivot table, just like a new virtual column added to the data set.

Next, we will add a calculated field to the following pivot table:

Create a Calculated Field

Steps to create a calculated field:

(i) Select "Analyze" under the Pivot Table Tools
(ii) Select "Fields, Items & Sets"
(iii) From the drop-down menu select "Calculated Field".

(iv) The "Insert Calculated Field" dialog box will pop up

There are two input boxes inside the dialog screen. At the top is the "Name" field, which user can name the calculated field with a name of their choice, better appropriately to meet its function.

The one below is the "Formula" box, user can build their own formula by selecting the combination of data fields from the underneath "Fields" list box.

In this example, we create a calculated field to calculate the "Profit" for the property transactions:

We first select and double click the "Selling price" field, then enter the mathematical operator "- ", follow by "Purchase price"; then repeat the process again for each of the cost items to finalize the following formula into the formula box:

"Selling Price"-"Purchase Price"-"Stamp Duty"-"Conveyance"-"Improvement Cost"

Finally, click "O.K"

Then we can see the field under the name of "Sum of Profit" been added to Pivot Table:

Once the new calculated field was created, we can also find it in the "Fields" list box: