What are pivot tables and why are they important in Excel?

Pivot tables are one of Excel's most powerful features that allow users to extract significance from large, detailed data sets. They help transform raw data into meaningful insights by summarizing information like employee data, total hours, and patient metrics. What makes pivot tables especially valuable is their ability to automatically update when the source data changes. This live updating feature extends to any charts created from the pivot table, ensuring all visualizations stay current without manual intervention. This dynamic connection between source data, pivot tables, and charts creates an efficient workflow for data analysis in Excel.