How do you create a pivot table using an existing worksheet?

Question

I am trying to create a pivot table using an existing worksheet but get a message telling me "Destination reference is not valid." How do I create the pivot table using an existing worksheet?

Answer 1

1. Make sure that the source range (the range that you want to create the pivot table from) has a top row with descriptive headers.
2. Either select the source range, or select a single cell in it.
3. On the Insert tab of the ribbon, in the Tables group, click PivotTable.

4. Specify where the pivot table should be created.

- The default is a new worksheet that will be created when you click OK.
- If you want to place the pivot table on an existing worksheet, select 'Existing Worksheet', then click in the Location box and point to the top left cell of the desired location. It can be on the same sheet as the source range, or on another existing worksheet.
- Important: make sure that there are enough empty cells to the right of that cell and below it to insert the pivot table.

5. Click OK.

Answer 2

Thank you so much. I don't understand why Microsoft's employee, Kevin Something's YouTube posts don't explain this and claim that inserting the pivot table on a new worksheet is much easier. I think they are both easy to do now that I know how. Again thank you for the information. It will be used regularly while I am in school.