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Pivot columns examples in Power Query

Learn practical Power Query Pivot columns examples with M code, UI steps, common mistakes, FAQs and copy-ready transformation patterns.

Updated 2026-06-125 practical examplesCopy-ready M code

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When to use this Power Query pattern

Use this pattern when the same data preparation step needs to happen every time a file, table or report refreshes.

Syntax or pattern

Table.Pivot(Source, List.Distinct(Source[Month]), "Month", "Sales", List.Sum)

Typical UI steps

  1. Open Power Query Editor.
  2. Select the relevant column or query.
  3. Apply the transformation from the ribbon or formula bar.
  4. Review the generated step.
  5. Check data types and row counts before loading.
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5 practical examples

1

Use Pivot columns in a sales report

This example shows how to use Pivot columns when preparing a sales report.

Table.Pivot(Source, List.Distinct(Source[Month]), "Month", "Sales", List.Sum)

Use this pattern when the sales report needs a repeatable transformation instead of manual cleanup.

2

Use Pivot columns in a customer list

This example shows how to use Pivot columns when preparing a customer list.

Table.Pivot(CleanSource, List.Distinct(CleanSource[Month]), "Month", "Amount", List.Sum)

Use this pattern when the customer list needs a repeatable transformation instead of manual cleanup.

3

Use Pivot columns in a inventory export

This example shows how to use Pivot columns when preparing a inventory export.

Table.Pivot(Inventory, List.Distinct(Inventory[Month]), "Month", "Units", List.Sum)

Use this pattern when the inventory export needs a repeatable transformation instead of manual cleanup.

4

Use Pivot columns in a monthly dashboard

This example shows how to use Pivot columns when preparing a monthly dashboard.

Table.Pivot(ReportData, List.Distinct(ReportData[Month]), "Month", "Revenue", List.Sum)

Use this pattern when the monthly dashboard needs a repeatable transformation instead of manual cleanup.

5

Use Pivot columns in a operations tracker

This example shows how to use Pivot columns when preparing a operations tracker.

Table.Pivot(Tracker, List.Distinct(Tracker[Month]), "Month", "Hours", List.Sum)

Use this pattern when the operations tracker needs a repeatable transformation instead of manual cleanup.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Applying steps in an order that makes later cleaning harder.
  • Forgetting that step names are referenced by later M code.
  • Not checking row counts before and after transformations.

Related Power Query examples

🔄 Unpivot columns🔄 Extract text🔄 Clean text🔄 Parse dates🔄 All Power Query examples

FAQ

When should I use Pivot columns in Power Query?

Use Pivot columns when the transformation should be repeatable every time the data refreshes.

Can I do Pivot columns from the Power Query interface?

Usually yes. The interface creates the M code for many common transformations, and you can adjust it in the formula bar or Advanced Editor.

Should I edit the M code manually?

Edit M manually when the interface cannot express the pattern clearly, or when you need reusable logic, parameters or cleaner step names.