Dynamic Tables in Excel

Dynamic Tables in Excel (Table of Contents)

• Dynamic Tables in Excel
• How to Create a Dynamic Tables?
  • Using Tables
  • Using OFFSET Function

Dynamic Tables in Excel

Dynamic in itself it means a processor system characterized for a constant change or a change in activity. Similarly, in Excel when we create lists 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 the question arises why do we need Dynamic Range or Dynamic Tables. The answer to that is because whenever a list or data range is updated or modified it does not certain that the report will be changed as per the data change.

Basically, there are two main advantages of Dynamic Tables:

1. A dynamic range will automatically expand or contract as per the data change.
2. Pivot tables based on the dynamic table in excel can be automatically updated when the pivot is refreshed.

How to Create a Dynamic Tables in Excel?

There are two basic ways of using dynamic tables in excel – 1) Using TABLES and 2) Using OFFSET Function.

#1 – Using Tables to create Dynamic Tables in Excel

Using Tables we can build a dynamic table in excel and base a pivot over the dynamic table.

Example

We have the following data,

If we make a pivot table with this normal data range from A1:E6 then if we insert a data in row 7 it will not reflect in the pivot table.

So we will first make a dynamic range.

#1 – Select the data i.e. A1:E6.

#2 – In the insert, Tab click on Tables under the tables section.

#3 – A dialog box pops up.

As our data has headers so remember to check on the box “My Table has Headers” and click ok.

#4 – Our Dynamic Range is created.

#5 – Select the data and in the Insert Tab under the excel tables section click on pivot tables.

#6 – As we have created the table it takes a range as Table 2. Click on OK and in the pivot tables Drag Product in Rows and Sales in Values.

#7 – Now in Sheet where we have our table insert Another Data in 7^th

In the pivot table refresh the pivot table.

Our dynamic Pivot table has automatically updated data of Product 6 in the pivot table.

#2 – Using the OFFSET Function to create Dynamic Table in Excel

We can also use OFFSET function to create dynamic tables in excel. Let us have a look at one such example.

Example

I have a price list for my products which is I use for my calculations,

Select the data and give it a name

Now, whenever I will refer to the data set pricelist it will take me to the data in the range B2:C7 which has my price list. But if I 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 as dynamic.

#1 – Under The Formulas Tab in the Defined Range click on Defined Name and a dialog box pops up.

#2 – In the Name Box type in any name, I will use the PriceA. The scope is the current workbook and currently, it is referring to the current cell selected which is B2.

In Refers to write the following formula,

=offset(Sheet2!$B$2,1,0,counta(Sheet2!$B:$B)-1,2)

=offset(

#3 – Now 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 whatever the data is in column B and use that as the number of rows, so use COUNTA function and select column B.

#6 – As we do not want the first Row which is product header to be counted so (-) 1 from it.

#7 – Now the number of columns will always be two so type 2 and click OK.

 

#8 – This data range won’t be visible by default so to see this we need to click on Name Manager under the Formula Tab and select Product,

#9 – If we click on refers to it shows the data range,

#10 – Now add another product in the table Product 6.

#11 – Now click on Product Table in the Name manager it also refers to the new data inserted,

This is how we can use the Offset function to make a dynamic Tables.

Things to Remember

1. Pivot Tables based on Dynamic range automatically gets updated when refreshed.
2. Using offset function in Defined names can be seen from Name Manager in the formula Tab.

Recommended Articles

This has been a guide to a Dynamic Tables in Excel. Here we discuss how to create a dynamic table in excel using TABLE and OFFSET Function along with practical examples and downloadable templates. You may learn more about excel from the following articles –

• Name Manager in Excel
• VBA OFFSET
• Excel Merge Tables
• Examples of Sorting Pivot Table in Excel
• Automatic Numbering in Excel
• Delete Pivot Table
• Create Dynamic Chart in Excel
• Using GetPivotData
• Using Data Table in Excel
• Arrays in Excel