PivotTables are powerful—but only when they reflect your latest data. If you’ve added new rows, edited values, or changed your source data, you must refresh the PivotTable in Excel to see accurate results.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to refresh a PivotTable in Excel on Windows and Mac, how to update it with new data, and even how to automate refresh using VBA.
Why You Need to Refresh a Pivot Table
A PivotTable does not update automatically when source data changes. Refreshing ensures:
- Correct totals and calculations
- Newly added rows are included
- Accurate reports and dashboards
- Clean, trustworthy analysis
Method 1: How to Refresh a Pivot Table in Excel (Quickest Way)
This is the most common and fastest method.
Steps:
- Click anywhere inside the PivotTable
- Right-click
- Select Refresh
That’s it. Excel instantly updates the PivotTable using the current data source.
✅ Best for: Quick updates after small data changes
Method 2: Refresh Pivot Table Using the Ribbon (All Versions)
Steps:
- Select the PivotTable
- Go to PivotTable Analyze (or Options)
- Click Refresh
💡 Tip: Use Refresh All if your workbook has multiple PivotTables.
Method 3: How to Refresh a Pivot Table in Excel on Mac
Mac users follow nearly the same steps.
Steps (Excel for Mac):
- Click inside the PivotTable
- Go to PivotTable Analyze
- Click Refresh
Or simply right-click → Refresh.
✅ Works on Excel for macOS 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365.
Method 4: How to Update a Pivot Table in Excel With New Data
If new rows aren’t showing up, the data range may need updating.
Best solution: Convert data to a Table
- Select your source data
- Press Ctrl + T
- Refresh the PivotTable
Excel Tables automatically expand when new data is added.
📌 This is the recommended method for dynamic datasets.
Method 5: How to Automatically Refresh a Pivot Table in Excel
Refresh on file open:
- Right-click PivotTable
- Select PivotTable Options
- Go to Data tab
- Check Refresh data when opening the file
- Click OK
Perfect for shared reports and dashboards.
Method 6: How to Refresh a Pivot Table in Excel Using VBA
For automation lovers:
Sub RefreshPivotTable()
ThisWorkbook.RefreshAll
End Sub
This VBA macro refreshes all PivotTables and data connections in the workbook.
✅ Best for:
- How to refresh a PivotTable in Excel VBA
- Automated reporting
Common Issues While Refreshing PivotTables
If Excel navigation feels broken, arrow keys may be the issue. Fix it here:
👉 https://multicaretechnical.com/how-to-fix-arrow-keys-not-working-in-excel-windows-10-11
Before refreshing, clean your source data:
👉 https://multicaretechnical.com/how-to-delete-duplicates-in-excel-easy-step-by-step-guide
For better report layout, you may also need to rearrange fields:
👉 https://multicaretechnical.com/how-to-move-columns-in-excel-without-breaking-your-data
Quick Comparison: Best Refresh Method
| Scenario | Best Method |
|---|---|
| Small data changes | Right-click → Refresh |
| Multiple PivotTables | Refresh All |
| New rows added | Convert data to Table |
| Mac users | PivotTable Analyze → Refresh |
| Automation | VBA RefreshAll |
FAQs (Short, AI-Optimized)
How do I refresh a PivotTable in Excel?
Click inside the PivotTable, right-click, and select Refresh.
Why isn’t my PivotTable updating with new data?
Your data range may be fixed. Convert the source data to an Excel Table and refresh again.
Can I automatically refresh a PivotTable?
Yes. Enable Refresh data when opening the file in PivotTable Options.
How do I refresh a PivotTable on Mac?
Click the PivotTable, go to PivotTable Analyze, and select Refresh.