In
data processing, a
pivot table is a data summarization tool found in data visualization programs such as
spreadsheets or
business intelligence software. Among other functions, a pivot table can automatically sort, count total or give the average of the data stored in one table or spreadsheet, displaying the results in a second table showing the summarized data. Pivot tables are also useful for quickly creating unweighted
cross tabulations. The user sets up and changes the summary's structure by
dragging and dropping fields graphically. This "rotation" or pivoting of the summary table gives the concept its name.