How to Create a Timeline to Filter a Pivot Table in Excel -3 Steps

The timeline slicer helps filter dates in the pivot table.


Step 1 – Convert the Dataset into a Table

  • Select the entire dataset to create a table.

  • Go to the Insert tab.
  • Select Table in Tables.

  • In the Create Table dialog box, you will see your dataset converted into a table.
  • Check on My table has headers.
  • Click OK.

This is the output.

Convert Dataset into Table to Create a Timeline in Excel to Filter Pivot Table


Step 2 -Convert the Table into a Pivot Table

  • Go to the Insert tab.
  • Select PivotTable in Tables.

  • In the PivotTable from table or range dialog box, select Table1 in Table/Range.
  • Select New Worksheet.
  • Click OK.

Convert Table into Pivot Table to Create a Timeline in Excel to Filter Pivot Table

  • In the Pivot Table Fields dialog box, select Customer, Product, and Total.
  • Drag Customer to Columns, Product to Rows, and Sum of Total to Values.

This is the output.

Change Table into Pivot Table to Insert a Timeline in Excel to Filter Pivot Table


Step 3 – Insert a Timeline Slicer to Filter the Pivot Table

  • Click the pivot table.
  • Go to Pivot Table Analyze.
  • Select Insert Timeline in Filter.

Insert Timeline Slicer to Filter Pivot Table

  • In the Insert Timelines dialog box, check Order Date.
  • Click OK.

You will see the following pivot table timeline slicer with a date range from 2009 to 2012.

By default, Excel sets the timeline in months.

  • Change the date range from monthly to quarters by clicking the down arrow sign.

Create Timeline Slicer to Filter Pivot Table

  • To see the pivot table for 2009, select the four quarters in 2009.

You will see the filtered values of 2009:


How to Clear the Filter from a Timeline in Excel

  • Click the Clear Filter option at the top right corner of the timeline.

How to Clear Filter from Timeline in Excel

  • It shows values from 2009 to 2012.


How to Remove a Pivot Table Timeline in Excel

  • Right-click the timeline.
  • Select Remove Timeline.

The timeline is removed.

How to Remove Pivot Table Timeline in Excel


Things to Remember

  • The timeline only takes values when there is a field formatted as date.

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Download the practice workbook.


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Kawser Ahmed
Kawser Ahmed

Kawser Ahmed is a Microsoft Excel Expert, Udemy Course Instructor, Data Analyst, Finance professional, and Chief Editor of ExcelDemy. He is the founder and CEO of SOFTEKO (a software and content marketing company). He has a B.Sc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. As a Udemy instructor, he offers 8 acclaimed Excel courses, one selected for Udemy Business. A devoted MS Excel enthusiast, Kawser has contributed over 200 articles and reviewed thousands more. His expertise extends to Data Analysis,... Read Full Bio

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