ACCTG 5150 -- Week 2. Start by reading the journal-entry table, then learn how a pivot reshapes that long list into a wide summary. Each source row is one journal entry.
Work through four tabs in order: explore the data, learn dimensions and measures, practice pivot mechanics, then complete the challenges.
Before you pivot anything, read the source table. Same shape as
JEA Detail.txt in Homework 2 -- fewer rows, same four columns.
When you can describe this table, open 2. Dimensions and measures.
Excel and Google Sheets do not print the words "dimension" or "measure" on the PivotTable Fields pane. They still treat columns differently: some fields define buckets, and one field supplies the number you roll up.
A label that splits the data into categories you compare.
A number you aggregate across the rows in each group.
A pivot answers a business question in two parts: what you are measuring (the number rolled up in Values) and how you are slicing it (the dimensions in Filters, Rows, and Columns). If those roles are swapped, Excel still builds a table -- but the totals do not match the question you were asked.
Homework 2 asks something like: total Amount for each User ID across each Period. Amount is the measure (summed). User ID and Period are dimensions (they form the row/column layout).
Same dataset, two layouts. Only one matches "total dollars by user and month."
Period is a label for a time bucket, not dollars.User ID in Rows, Period in Columns.Amount for that user in that month.| Field | Role | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Amount | Measure | You sum dollars -- the thing being totaled |
| User ID | Dimension | Each user is a group you compare |
| Period | Dimension | Each month is a group you compare |
| Account | Dimension | Each GL account is a group when the question asks by account |
Pick a scenario. The tool shows which fields play which role.
On this dataset, each column is either a dimension or a measure. Choose for all four, then check your answers.
Tip: if a field answers "how much/how many," it is usually a measure. If it answers "by what category/time/person/account," it is usually a dimension. When your mapping is correct, open 3. Pivot mechanics.
You classified fields in tab 2. Now drag them into Filters, Columns, Rows, and Values. The pivot rebuilds immediately.
Stacking: Rows and Columns can hold more than one field. Outer labels repeat only when the group changes -- like Excel.
Reinforcement: build a specific pivot for each task. Use the same Filters / Columns / Rows / Values panel as in tab 3 (Pivot mechanics), then select Check my pivot.