Usually, when you add a field to the Values area in a pivot table, it automatically uses the Sum function. Sometimes though, a field automatically uses the Count function. You might not understand why different functions are used for two fields that contain similar data.

• If there are blank cells, or non-numeric data in the field, the Count function is used as a default.
• For fields that contain all numeric data, the Sum function is the default.

You can’t set a default summary function in a pivot table. However, after the field has been added to the Values area, you can change its summary function:

1. Right-click a cell in the field that you want to change, and choose Field Settings.
2. In the Summarize by list, select one of the functions.
3. Click OK to close the PivotTable Field dialog box.

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For more information on pivot tables, see the Pivot Table Topics on my Contextures web site.

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