Creating PivotTables with Custom Hierarchies in Excel

Here's how to create PivotTables with custom hierarchies for data organization in Excel using Power Pivot:

Requirements:

* Excel version with Power Pivot add-in enabled (Excel 2013 and later versions)

Steps:

1. Prepare your data: Ensure your data has related columns suitable for creating a hierarchy.

2. Enable Power Pivot: Go to the "File" tab and navigate to "Options" > "Add-Ins." Select "COM Add-ins" from the "Manage" dropdown and click "Go." Check the box for "Microsoft Office Power Pivot" and click "OK."

3. Create a PivotTable: Highlight your data range and navigate to the "Insert" tab. Click on "PivotTable" and choose where you want to place the PivotTable.

4. Switch to Power Pivot: Within the "PivotTable Analyze" tab, click on "Change Source Data" and select "Manage in Power Pivot." This opens the Power Pivot window for data manipulation.

5. Identify Hierarchy Columns: Locate the columns you want to organize into a hierarchy. These columns should have a parent-child relationship (e.g., Region -> Country -> City).

6. Create the Hierarchy: Right-click on the first column you want at the bottom of the hierarchy (child level) and select "Create Hierarchy." A new hierarchy will appear below the table.

7. Build the Hierarchy: Drag the remaining columns (parent levels) on top of the existing child level in the hierarchy pane. You can arrange them in the desired order by dragging and dropping.

8. Name the Hierarchy: Double-click on the default "Hierarchy1" name and enter a descriptive name for your custom hierarchy.

9. Return to PivotTable: Click on "Home" > "View" > "Diagram View" to see the table structure visually, including your custom hierarchy.

10. Build your PivotTable: Drag the desired fields from the hierarchy and other data fields to the Rows, Columns, Filters, or Values sections of the PivotTable to analyze your data according to the organized hierarchy.

Benefits of Custom Hierarchies:

* Simplified Data Exploration: Group and analyze related data at different levels (e.g., see total sales by Region, then drill down to Country or City).
* Improved Data Organization: Present complex data structures in a clear and concise way.
* Flexible Analysis: Easily switch between different levels of detail within the hierarchy for deeper insights.

Additional Tips:

* You can create multiple custom hierarchies for different data analysis needs.
* Power Pivot offers additional functionalities like calculated fields and measures to further customize your data analysis within the PivotTable.
* Explore online resources and tutorials for more advanced techniques in creating and using custom hierarchies with Power Pivot.