Show
Dynamic in itself means a process or system characterized by a constant change or change in any activity. Similarly, in Excel when we create listsA list can be created in Excel to define a list of items/values as predefined values. It may be created using the Data Validation tool so that users may select from a list rather than entering their own values.read more or data in a workbook and make a report out of it. But if we add any data or remove one or move or change the data, then the whole report can be inaccurate. Excel has a solution for it as dynamic tables. Now, why do we need dynamic range or dynamic tables? The answer is that whenever a list or data range is updated or modified, it does not make certain that it will change the report as per the data change. There are two main advantages of dynamic tables: How to Create Dynamic Tables in Excel?There are two basic ways of using dynamic tables in excel – 1) Using TABLES and 2) Using the OFFSET function. #1 – Using Tables to create Dynamic Tables in ExcelUsing tables, we can build a dynamic table in excel and base a pivot over the dynamic table. ExampleWe have the following data, If we make a pivot tableA Pivot Table is an Excel tool that allows you to extract data in a preferred format (dashboard/reports) from large data sets contained within a worksheet. It can summarize, sort, group, and reorganize data, as well as execute other complex calculations on it.read more with this normal data range from A1:E6, then if we insert data in row 7, it will not reflect in the PivotTable. So, we will first make a dynamic range.
#2 – Using the OFFSET Function to create a Dynamic Table in ExcelWe can also use the OFFSET FunctionThe OFFSET function in excel returns the value of a cell or a range (of adjacent cells) which is a particular number of rows and columns from the reference point. read more to create dynamic tables in Excel. Let us have a look at one such example. ExampleWe have a price list for the products we use for our calculations. First, we need to select the data and give it a name. Whenever we refer to the data set price list, it will take us to the data in the range B2:C7, which has our price list. But if we update another row to the data, it will still take me to the range of B2:C7 because our list is static. We will use the OFFSET function to make the data range dynamic. #1 – Now, under The “Formulas” tab in the “Defined Range,” we must click on “Define Name,” and a dialog box will pop up. #2 – We can type any name in the Name BoxIn Excel, the name box is located on the left side of the window and is used to give a name to a table or a cell. The name is usually the row character followed by the column number, such as cell A1.read more. We will use the “Product.” The scope is the current workbook, and currently, it refers to the current cell selected, which is B2. In “Refers to” we must write the following formula: =offset(Sheet2!$B$2,1,0,counta(Sheet2!$B:$B)-1,2) =offset( #3 – Now, we must select the starting cell, which is B2. #4 – Now, we need to type 1,0 as it will count how many rows or columns to go. #5 – Now, we need it to count the data in column B and use that as the number of rows so that we may use the COUNTA functionThe COUNTA function is an inbuilt statistical excel function that counts the number of non-blank cells (not empty) in a cell range or the cell reference. For example, cells A1 and A3 contain values but, cell A2 is empty. The formula “=COUNTA(A1,A2,A3)” returns 2. read more and select column B. #6 – As we do not want the first row, the product header, to be counted, so (-) 1 from it. #7 – Now, the number of columns will always be two, so we must type “2” and click “OK.” #8 –This data range would not be visible by default, so to see this, we need to click on Name ManagerThe name manager in Excel is used to create, edit, and delete named ranges. For example, we sometimes use names instead of giving cell references. By using the name manager, we can create a new reference, edit it, or delete it.read more under the “Formula” tab and select “Product.” #9 – If we click on “Refers to,” it shows the data range, #10 – We will add another product -“Product 6.” #11 – Lastly, click on “Product Table” in the “Name Manager.” It also refers to the new data inserted. Like this, we can use the OFFSET function to make dynamic tables. Things to Remember
Recommended ArticlesThis article is a guide to Dynamic Tables in Excel. Here, we discuss creating a dynamic table in Excel using TABLE and OFFSET functions and practical examples, and downloadable templates. You may learn more about Excel from the following articles: – Reader Interactions |