Advanced Excel · Beginner level

Beginner level · Module 4: PivotTables and PivotCharts · Lesson 3 of 3

Slicers and PivotCharts

Make summaries interactive with slicers and timelines, and visualise them with PivotCharts.

In this lesson you will

  • Add slicers and timelines
  • Create and format PivotCharts

Key concepts

slicertimelinereport connectionsPivotChart

The lesson

Slicers are buttons that filter PivotTables; timelines filter by date periods. Connect one slicer to several PivotTables through Report Connections, so one click filters the whole report.

PivotCharts are charts linked to PivotTables; they change with filters and slicers.

Choose chart types that suit the message — columns for comparing branches, lines for trends — and remove clutter such as unnecessary field buttons.

Step by step

  1. Add a branch slicer and a month timeline.
  2. Connect them to two PivotTables.
  3. Create a column and a line PivotChart.
  4. Tidy the charts for presentation.

Practice activity

Build an interactive sales summary sheet with slicers and two PivotCharts.

Expected result: One click on a slicer updates all connected tables and charts.

Check your understanding

  1. What does a timeline filter?

    Show answer

    PivotTables by date periods.

  2. How can one slicer filter several PivotTables?

    Show answer

    Through Report Connections.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.