Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated May 29, 2023)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
David has monthly data in a worksheet. He uses a PivotTable to aggregate this information into a quarterly information; this works great. He then creates a PivotChart based on the information in the PivotTable. Problem is, if the PivotTable updates, the PivotChart does not automatically update. David wonders if there is a way to update the PivotChart whenever the PivotTable is updated.
When you choose to update a PivotTable, you typically do so by clicking the Refresh tool on the PivotTable Analyze tab of the ribbon. (You can also use the Alt+F5 shortcut, if you want.) This action updates what you are looking at—in other words, the currently visible PivotTable.
If you want to update other pivot-based data in the workbook (in other words, a PivotChart you are not currently looking at on the screen), you need to modify, slightly, how you update. Instead of using the Refresh tool, click the down-arrow under the Refresh tool and then choose Refresh All. (You could also use the Ctrl+Alt+F5 shortcut.) This updates all pivot data, including PivotCharts, with a single step.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (13689) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021.
Create Custom Apps with VBA! Discover how to extend the capabilities of Office 365 applications with VBA programming. Written in clear terms and understandable language, the book includes systematic tutorials and contains both intermediate and advanced content for experienced VB developers. Designed to be comprehensive, the book addresses not just one Office application, but the entire Office suite. Check out Mastering VBA for Microsoft Office 365 today!
One of the ways you can use PivotTables is to generate counts of various items in a data table. This is a great technique ...
Discover MoreIf you modify the data on which a PivotTable is based, you'll need to refresh the table so it reflects the modified data. ...
Discover MoreYou can format PivotTables using either manual formatting or automatic formatting. You need to be careful, however, as ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2019-10-21 06:45:38
Alex B
Either I am missing something or my Excel (365) is working differently.
If the PivotChart was created based on the information in the PivotTable, this should mean that it is linked to the Pivot Table and the same Pivot Cache. Refreshing either the Pivot Table or the Pivot Chart would update both. This is true even if you moved the chart to another sheet.
If it is not doing so that would indicate that the chart is not actually based on the Pivot Table being refreshed.
You could right click on the Pivot Table and select PivotTable Options & on the Chart and select PivotChart Options and check they both show the same Pivot Table name.
2019-10-21 04:42:27
Harold Druss
Brian
My comment was meant to be a joke.
2019-10-20 14:59:38
Brian
Not automatic. Pressing buttons is manual. And you would have to personally detect when a source data change occurs.
Need to automate with VBA in a calculation worksheet event.
2019-10-20 05:55:40
Harold Druss
Brian
When the Pivot Table updates, you automatically press Ctrl+Alt+F5
That's not automatic?
2019-10-19 20:08:10
Brian
How is this automatic?
Got a version of Excel that uses the ribbon interface (Excel 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the menu interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments