PivotdrillTimeline
Click in the pivot, go to PivotTable Analyze, Insert Timeline, tick the date field and click OK. A slider appears; drag across months, or switch the level to Years, Quarters or Days, and the pivot shows only that range. Use Report Connections to link one timeline to several pivots.
Syntax
PivotTable Analyze > Insert Timeline > tick date field > OK; Timeline > Report Connections| Part | What it is |
|---|---|
Time level | Years, Quarters, Months, Days; dropdown at the top right of the timeline |
Report Connections | Choose which pivots (same cache or Data Model) the timeline filters |
Clear Filter | The small icon at the top right resets the range |
Examples
Rows: Rep. Values: Sum of Revenue
Insert Timeline on Order Date > drag Oct to DecResult: Revenue per rep for the fourth quarter only; the pivot's header shows the selection as a filter.
Timeline > level: Years > click 2025Result: The pivot restricts to 2025.
Common mistakes
- Insert Timeline says no date fields: the column is text, so convert it to real dates first.
- The timeline only affects one pivot: open Report Connections and tick the others.
- The pivot is empty after dragging: the selected range has no data; click Clear Filter.
Practice Timeline
These drills check your answer on live data, free, no account needed.
- Fourth quarter by repShow total Revenue by Rep for Q4 2025 only.
- Spending by quarterShow total Amount for each quarter.
Questions
What is the difference between a timeline and a slicer?
A slicer lists discrete items as buttons. A timeline is built for dates and lets you pick a continuous range at a chosen level.
Do timelines work in Google Sheets?
No. Use a date filter on the pivot or a slicer with a date condition instead.
Related
- SlicersInsert a slicer to filter a pivot table with clickable buttons, connect one slicer to several pivots with Report Connections, select several items, clear it.
- Group dates by month, quarter and yearGroup a date field in a pivot table by months, quarters and years with right-click, Group, and get year by month breakdowns. Auto grouping, ungrouping, weeks.
- Filter a pivot tableFour ways to filter a pivot table: the row label dropdown, the Filters area above the table, Value Filters on totals, and slicers. Examples and catches.