How to Combine Two Tables in Excel Pivot? (3 Easy Methods)

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Working with multiple data tables in Excel is common, especially when handling large datasets. If you’re looking to combine two tables in Excel Pivot, this guide will show you how to do it effectively using Excel’s built-in features. You’ll learn step-by-step methods to create a consolidated PivotTable from different data sources without any formulas or complicated coding.

Why Combine Tables in a PivotTable?

Combining tables into a single PivotTable helps you:

• Analyze related data from different sheets
• Create unified summary reports
• Perform cross-referencing between different tables
• Save time from manual merging or copying

This method is especially useful when your tables have common columns like “Date,” “Product,” or “Region.”

Prerequisites Before Combining Tables

Before you start, ensure:

• Your data is formatted as Excel Tables (Insert > Table)
• Tables have at least one common column for relationship
• There are no blank headers or merged cells
• You are using Excel 2013 or later (Power Pivot is built-in)

Method 1: Using Power Pivot to Combine Tables

Power Pivot allows you to connect multiple tables through data relationships, similar to how relational databases work.

Step 1: Add Tables to Data Model

1. Click anywhere inside the first table
2. Go to Power Pivot tab > Add to Data Model
3. Repeat for the second table

This adds both tables to Excel’s Data Model.

Step 2: Create a Relationship

1. Go to Power Pivot > Manage
2. In the Power Pivot window, click Diagram View
3. Drag the common field (e.g., ProductID) from one table to the matching field in the second table
4. This creates a one-to-many relationship

Step 3: Insert PivotTable

1. Go back to Excel
2. Select Insert > PivotTable
3. Choose Use this workbook’s Data Model
4. Add fields from both tables

Now, you can build a single PivotTable that summarizes data from both sources.

Method 2: Using Append Queries with Power Query

Power Query is another excellent tool for combining tables. Use it when both tables have the same column structure (e.g., monthly sales from different regions).

Step 1: Load Tables into Power Query

1. Select the first table
2. Go to Data > Get & Transform > From Table/Range
3. Click Close & Load To > Only Create Connection
4. Repeat for the second table

Step 2: Append Tables

1. Go to Data > Get Data > Combine Queries > Append
2. Choose both tables to combine
3. Click OK
4. You will now see a single merged table

Step 3: Load to PivotTable

1. Click Close & Load To
2. Choose PivotTable Report

This method is ideal for stacking similar data from different periods or departments.

Method 3: Manual Consolidation (Basic Method)

If you’re working with small datasets and not comfortable with Power Pivot or Power Query, manual consolidation works too.

Step 1: Copy-Paste Tables

1. Copy data from both tables into one master table
2. Make sure headers match
3. Remove duplicates if necessary

Step 2: Format as Table

1. Select the merged data
2. Click Insert > Table
3. Create a PivotTable from this table

While this is the simplest approach, it’s not dynamic and can become error-prone with frequent updates.

Best Practices for Combining Tables in Pivot

• Use named ranges or tables for dynamic referencing
• Always clean data before combining (remove blank rows, fix typos)
• Maintain consistent data types in common columns
• Use meaningful column names for clarity

Common Use Cases

• Merging sales data and product details
• Combining employee hours from multiple departments
• Consolidating financial reports by month or region
• Unifying customer feedback from various sources

Benefits of Using PivotTable with Multiple Tables

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not using Excel Tables before adding to Data Model
• Skipping relationship creation in Power Pivot
• Appending tables with inconsistent headers
• Forgetting to refresh queries after updating source data

Final Thoughts

Combining two tables in Excel Pivot is a powerful way to analyze related data without manual merging. Whether you’re using Power Pivot, Power Query, or a simple copy-paste method, Excel offers flexible solutions to build interactive and insightful reports.

Stick to best practices, maintain clean data, and choose the method that fits your workflow. With these steps, you can easily manage multi-table reports in Excel and make smarter data-driven decisions.

FAQs

Vaishvi Desai

Vaishvi Desai is the founder of Excelsamurai and a passionate Excel enthusiast with years of experience in data analysis and spreadsheet management. With a mission to help others harness the power of Excel, Vaishvi shares her expertise through concise, easy-to-follow tutorials on shortcuts, formulas, Pivot Tables, and VBA.