Summary

Pivot tables are an easy way to quickly count unique values in a data set, and can easily be adapted to perform a two-way count. In the example shown above, a pivot table is used to count unique combinations of color and size, based on data in the range B5:D16, defined as an Excel Table.

Fields

The pivot table shown is based on three fields: Color, Size, and Qty. The Color field is configured as a Rows field, and the Size field is configured as a Columns field. The Color field is also configured as a Value field.

Pivot table two-way count Field list

The Color field is configured to summarize by count in the Values area:

Pivot table two-way count value field settings

Because the colors are text values, the pivot table automatically performs a count instead of a sum. You are free to rename "Count of Color" as you like.

Steps

  1. Define data as an Excel Table (optional)
  2. Create a pivot table based on table (or data)
  3. Add Color field to the Rows area
  4. Add Size field to the Columns area
  5. Add Colors field to the Values area

Notes

  1. Any non-blank field in the data can be used in the Values area to get a count.
  2. When a text field is added as a Value field, Excel will display a count automatically.