Subsection 6.2
Pivot tables for unit breakdowns
Reading
A pivot table breaks the unit down by a dimension you choose — worksite, department, shift, or committee role — so the lead organizer can read the unit at a glance.
Pivot tables intimidate new staff because they look like a spreadsheet inside a spreadsheet. They are not. They are just a built-in COUNTIF.
Step 1 · Insert a pivot table
- Select your data range (or click any cell in the data).
- Insert › Pivot table.
- Pick “New sheet” as the destination.
- Click Create.
Step 2 · Configure rows, columns, and values
The pivot editor opens on the right. Drag fields:
- Rows: Worksite (or Department).
- Values: WorkerID, summarized by COUNTA.
The pivot table now shows you how many workers are at each worksite — the most basic breakdown of a unit.
Step 3 · Add a second value column for card support
- In the pivot editor, click Add Values.
- Pick Card_Date.
- Summarize by COUNTA. The pivot now shows total workers and signed cards per worksite.
The card-support % per worksite is the second column divided by the first. You can compute that directly in a calculated field, or off to the side in a new column.
Action: Mark this page complete when you have finished the activity above.