A good example of how to use calculated fields is for summarizing data differently than you can normally summarize it with a PivotTable. When you create a PivotTable, you can use several different functions to summarize the data that is displayed. For instance, you can create an average of data in a particular field. What if you want to create a weighted average, however? Excel doesn't provide a function that automatically allows you to do this.
When you have special needs for summations—like weighted averages—the easiest way to achieve your goal is to add an additional column in the source data as an intermediate calculation, and then add a calculated field to the actual PivotTable.
For example, you could add a "WeightedValue" column to your source data. The formula in the column should multiply the weight times the value to be weighted. This means that if your weight is in column C and your value to be weighted is in column D, your formula in the WeightedValue column would simply be like =C2*D2. This formula will be copied down the entire column for all the rows of the data.
You are now ready to create your PivotTable, which you should do as normal with one exception: you need to create a Calculated Field. Follow these steps:
Figure 1. The Insert Calculated Field dialog box.
Your calculated field is now inserted, and you can use the regular summation functions to display a sum of the calculated field; this is your weighted average.
Since there are many different ways that weighted averages can be calculated, it should go without saying that you can modify the formulas and steps presented here to reflect exactly what you need done with your data.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2900) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Excel (Excel 2007 and later) here: Weighted Averages in a PivotTable.
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2017-07-26 18:52:44
Qianjie
I agree with Igor. This tip is not weighted average at all.
I googled everywhere but very few are helpful. I worked it out eventually.
Let's say in raw data sheet, column 1 is your weight, column 2 is your value.
First, you need to create one helper column (co1omn 1 * column 2) into your raw data, if your raw data is linked to the server somewhere, you need to use the SQL querry to add this helper column to your raw data.
Second, create a Calculated Field in the PivotTable: CF = sum(helper column) / sum(column 1)
Then show sum CF in your PivotTable. That sum CF is the weight average!!
2017-04-06 04:16:06
Igor
I am not so sure this can be considered a weighted average though.
To the best of my knowledge a weighted average formula looks like
(v1*wv1)+(v2*wv2)+...+(vn*wvn)/Sum v1-to-n
The division is the tricky part, as it needs to aggregate data spread across several rows, whereas one of the limitations of calculated fields is that they are done row-by-row.
If you have any advice, would be happy to hear.
2016-08-24 13:18:54
IA
Your suggestion worked perfectly for me. Thanks!
2016-03-21 06:53:05
Declan
Can i put a weighted average as a subtotal and/or grand total in a pivot table?
Your tip only gives me the total weighted value, how do i get to put the average of the total weighted value into the grand total or subtotal row?
2015-05-18 15:49:11
Drew
Your suggestion worked perfectly!
2015-05-01 16:25:02
reinhold23
Thanks, this worked great!
2014-05-28 15:18:20
Peter
This method produced valid results for me. Many thanks.
2013-08-21 10:55:24
Panther68
Your Method is incorrect
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