Are PivotTables and PivotCharts Available in Microsoft Access? (Alternatives)
Question details
The user wants to know if PivotTable and PivotChart views are still available in current versions of Microsoft Access and how to utilize them.
- Product
- Microsoft Access
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Trying to create or access PivotTable and PivotChart views for data analysis directly within an Access database.
- Observed behavior
- PivotTable and PivotChart views are deprecated and missing from Microsoft Access versions released after Access 2010.
Check your Microsoft Access version; if you are using Access 2013, 2016, 2019, or Microsoft 365, native PivotTable and PivotChart views are no longer supported and have been permanently removed.
Use Microsoft Excel for PivotTables and PivotCharts
Since Access no longer supports these views, the best method is to connect your Access database directly to Microsoft Excel and use its powerful PivotTable features.
Microsoft intentionally removed PivotTable and PivotChart functionality from Access to consolidate complex data analysis into Excel. By connecting Excel to your Access database, your PivotTables will automatically update whenever your Access data changes.
Launch Microsoft Excel and open a new blank workbook.
Navigate to the 'Data' tab on the ribbon, click on 'Get Data' (or 'Get External Data'), select 'From Database', and then choose 'From Microsoft Access Database'.
Locate and select your Access database file (.accdb or .mdb), choose the specific table or query you want to analyze, and click 'Load'.
Once the data is loaded into Excel, go to the 'Insert' tab, click 'PivotTable', and select the imported data range to begin building your analysis.
Redesign with Access Crosstab Queries and Reports
If you need to keep your data reporting strictly inside Microsoft Access without using external programs, you can use Crosstab Queries combined with standard Reports.
Analyze Exported Access Data Easily with WPS Spreadsheet
Since newer versions of Microsoft Access lack native PivotTables, you can export your database records and analyze them seamlessly using WPS Spreadsheet. Enjoy a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for generating complex PivotTables and dynamic charts without expensive subscriptions.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite on your device.
- 2. Import Your Data: Export your Access table as a CSV or Excel file, then open it directly in WPS Spreadsheet.
- 3. Create a PivotTable: Select your data range, click the 'Insert' tab, and choose 'PivotTable' to start your analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which version of Access was the last to support PivotTables natively?
Microsoft Access 2010 was the last version to natively support PivotTable and PivotChart views. These features were entirely removed starting with Access 2013.
Can I install an add-in to bring PivotTables back to Microsoft Access?
No, there are no official add-ins or secondary installations that can restore the deprecated PivotTable and PivotChart functionality in current versions of Microsoft Access.
What happens if I open an older Access 2010 database containing PivotTables in a newer version?
If you open an older database containing PivotTable or PivotChart views in Access 2013 or newer, those specific views will automatically default to a standard Datasheet view.
