Pivot Table Issues

How to Synchronize Filters Between Two Excel PivotTables

Guest Writer Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to apply the exact same filter (such as a specific Customer PO) to multiple PivotTables located on different worksheets simultaneously.

How to Synchronize Filters Between Two Excel PivotTables

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing multiple PivotTables that share the same data source, requiring a unified filtering method to avoid updating each table manually.
Observed behavior: The goal is to establish a link between multiple PivotTables so that filtering one automatically filters the others.

Before you start

Ensure that both PivotTables are built from the exact same data source and share the same PivotTable cache, otherwise they cannot be connected.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Slicers and Report Connections

Insert a slicer for your desired field and use the Report Connections feature to link it to multiple PivotTables.

Slicers provide a visual way to filter PivotTable data. By using the Report Connections feature, a single slicer can be bound to multiple PivotTables, acting as a master filter.

Insert a Slicer

Click anywhere inside your first PivotTable. Go to the PivotTable Analyze (or Options) tab on the ribbon and click 'Insert Slicer'. Check the box for the field you want to filter by (e.g., Cust PO) and click OK.

Open Report Connections

Click on the newly inserted slicer to select it. Navigate to the Slicer tab on the ribbon and click 'Report Connections'. Alternatively, right-click the slicer and select 'Report Connections' from the context menu.

Select PivotTables to Synchronize

In the Report Connections dialog box, you will see a list of PivotTables in your workbook. Check the boxes next to both PivotTables (even if they are on different worksheets) that you want to control. Click OK.

Test the Synchronized Filter

Click on any item within the slicer. Both connected PivotTables will now update simultaneously based on your selection.

Worksheet Placement: You can cut and paste the slicer to any worksheet, such as a master dashboard sheet, and it will continue to control the connected PivotTables seamlessly.

Advanced Data Analysis

Synchronize PivotTables Effortlessly in WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet fully supports advanced PivotTable features, allowing you to manage large datasets and link multiple PivotTables together using slicers and report connections.

1. Create your PivotTables: Open your workbook in WPS Spreadsheet and ensure your PivotTables are generated from the same data range.
2. Add a Slicer: Select a PivotTable, go to the Analyze tab, and click 'Insert Slicer' for your target filter.
3. Link via Report Connections: Right-click the slicer, choose 'Report Connections', check the boxes for the other PivotTables, and click OK to sync.

100% compatible with Microsoft Excel PivotTables and SlicersIntuitive Report Connections interface for managing multiple tablesLightweight software optimized for fast data processingFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate interface

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my other PivotTables missing from the Report Connections dialog box?

This happens when the PivotTables do not share the same data source cache. Even if they use the same data range, creating them independently can generate separate caches. To resolve this, delete the second PivotTable, copy the first PivotTable, and paste it to the new location before changing its fields.

Can I synchronize standard PivotTable drop-down filters instead of using Slicers?

Standard report filters located at the top of a PivotTable cannot be natively linked to other PivotTables using built-in settings. You would need to use complex VBA macros to achieve this. Slicers are the recommended, built-in method for syncing filters without code.

Does this work if the PivotTables are on completely different worksheets?

Yes. As long as the PivotTables share the same background data cache, the Report Connections menu will list them regardless of which worksheet they reside on within the same workbook. Selecting them will sync the filter across all respective sheets.

Excel & Data Problems