A pivot table is a feature in Microsoft Excel that is used to summarize and store data in a single table. It allows users to transform columns into rows and rows into columns, and to group, count, total, or average data stored in a table. Pivot tables are particularly useful for analyzing large amounts of data and answering unanticipated questions about the data. Here are some practical examples of what pivot tables can be used for:

• Querying large amounts of data in many user-friendly ways
• Subtotaling and aggregating numeric data, summarizing data by categories and subcategories, and creating custom calculations and formulas
• Comparing sales totals of different products
• Counting rows that all have something in common, such as employees in a specific department
• Summarizing data in an easily digestible snapshot for quick reports
• Exposing patterns in data for accurate data forecasting

Pivot tables can be created using data from an Excel worksheet, which should be in list format with column labels in the first row. Once a pivot table is created, users can explore the data, arrange fields in the PivotTable Field List, and perform tasks such as grouping items/records/rows into categories. Pivot tables are a powerful tool for data analysis and can help users make informed decisions about critical data in their enterprise.