How to Create Dynamic Table in Excel

Dynamic Tables in Excel provide a revolutionary method for effective data management. Dynamic tables reduce the need for manual updates and resizing by automatically modifying and responding to changes in your data. This article will help you learn how to create a dynamic table in Excel. As we reveal the techniques for mastering dynamic tables in Excel, you can wave goodbye to time-consuming modifications and say hello to faster data administration.

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What Is a Dynamic Table in Excel?

An Excel feature called a dynamic table automatically contracts and grows as data changes. Data administration is simplified and made more effective by doing away with the requirement for manual updates and resizing. Automatic scaling, streamlined data entry, better organization, structured referencing, formula application that is simpler, data validation, and connection with other Excel features are some advantages of dynamic tables. They improve Excel’s capabilities for data analysis and expedite data administration.

How to Create Dynamic Table in Excel: 3 Quick Ways

In this segment, we will discuss 3 different ways to create a dynamic table in Excel. For the procedures, we’ll use Excel features, pivot table, and also formulas. Different methods have different advantages and challenges. Let’s hover over them.

1. Using Excel Table and Named Range Feature to Create Dynamic Table

One of the primary ways to create a dynamic table in Excel can be the use of different Excel options like Insert Table, Named Range, etc. For demonstration, we have used a dataset having a sales report for a company.  Let’s see the stepwise procedures for this method.

• Firstly, select the whole dataset including the header row, and select Insert > Table from the ribbon.

• Then, in the appeared tab, write the cell range for the table if not selected earlier. Also, put a tick mark on My table has headers. Press OK.

• Now, we have prepared the table. Let’s make it dynamic. Select the whole table again and select the Formulas tab > Define Name.

• Afterward, give a unique name to the range in the appeared tab and press OK.

• Finally, we have created the dynamic table.

2. Inserting Excel Pivot Table to Create Dynamic Table

Another way to create a dynamic table is by inserting a Pivot Table with the dataset. It’s quite simple. We will walk you through the procedures. Let’s do it.

• Firstly, select the whole dataset including the header, and select Insert > Pivot Table > From Table/Range.

• Afterward, select Existing Worksheet and write the cell reference where you want the pivot table. We have created it in cell B21. press OK.

• Finally, we have created the pivot table which is a dynamic table. Select the pivot table and from PivotTable Fields put Employee ID and Name fields in the Rows section, State in the Filter section, and Sales in the Values section. We are done with completing the pivot table.

3. Using OFFSET Function to Create Dynamic Table

We can also use the OFFSET function in the Define Named Range to make the table dynamic. It’s a bit similar to our first method. Let’s see the procedures.

• Firstly, define the Name Range for the table.
• Then, go to the Formulas tab > Defined Names > Name Manager.

• Afterward, select the unique name we defined for the table. Double-click on it. We have given the name Report_Sales.

• In the Edit Name tab Referes to section, write the following formula and press OK.

• Finally, our table is made dynamic.

How to Use Dynamic Table in Excel Formula

So far, we have shown how to create a dynamic table that gets updated with the new inclusion of data. Let’s check out how this dynamic table can be of help. We will simply sum the Sales for a specific State (Michigan). Let’s do it.

• Simply, use the following formula in cell C20. remember our condition State (Michigan) is included in cell C19.

• As a result, we will see the sum of Sales from Michigan State in the cell.

In the formula, we used the SUMIF function, the value of cell C19 is searched in the State column of the dynamic table and add the Sales for the state Michigan.

• Now, let’s add another Sales data for Michigan State and check if the sum in cell C20 gets updated because the table is dynamic.
• Hurrah! The sum result changed accordingly.

How to Convert a Dynamic Table to a Range

We have seen the methods to create dynamic tables and their use. But sometimes we may require the normal range instead of a dynamic table. Let’s check out the procedures.

• Simply, select the table and right-click on it. Select Table > Convert to Range.

• As a result, we will see our dynamic table changed to the normal range.

Advantages of Creating Dynamic Table in Excel

• Automatic resizing: To save time and effort, the table automatically contracts and expands as data changes.

• Simple data entry: Since the table expands fluidly, it is easier to enter data outside of its current range.

• Enhanced organization: For effective data organization, dynamic tables include built-in sorting, filtering, and formatting capabilities.

• Structured referencing: Formulas are simpler to comprehend and maintain when meaningful names are used in place of cell references.

• Formula Extension: The application of formulas is made easier since dynamic tables dynamically extend formulas as the amount of data increases, guaranteeing accuracy.

• Validating data and drop-down menus: Enforce data consistency and give data entry possibilities that are already predetermined.

• Integration with other features: For dynamic reports and visualizations, dynamic tables easily interface with PivotTables, charts, and other Excel capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can dynamic tables handle expanding datasets?

Ans: Yes, dynamic tables can easily accommodate expanding datasets by automatically adjusting their size to include new rows or columns.

2. Can dynamic tables be used for data analysis?

Ans:  Yes, dynamic tables can be used as a foundation for data analysis. They integrate well with other Excel features like PivotTables and charts, allowing for dynamic reports and visualizations.

3. How do dynamic tables save time and effort?

Ans: Dynamic tables automatically resize as data changes, reducing the need for manual adjustments. They also offer features like sorting, filtering, and structured referencing, which streamline data management tasks.

Things to Remember

• In a few cases, we used cell references. Be Careful about using cell references so that it has to change according to your dataset.
• Save the Excel file after bringing some changes to the worksheet.

Conclusion

This article covers different methods to create dynamic table in Excel which is quite helpful. Hopefully, you will be able to use the dynamic table from now onwards. Feel free to comment if you have any queries or suggestions. Visit our website ExcelDemy for learning more about Excel.