Pivot Table top bar date filter doesn't update in chronological order

Our take

If you're facing issues with your pivot table's date filter not displaying chronologically, you're not alone. This common challenge can hinder your data management, especially when automating monthly reports. While you've explored several adjustments, including re-sorting and changing data sources, finding a quick solution is essential for maintaining accuracy. Additionally, managing row lengths in your Excel sheet can streamline your workflow. Let’s explore effective strategies to resolve these issues, ensuring your pivot tables serve your needs efficiently and accurately.

I have a an excel file which I had been building from scratch from a downloaded report every month and am trying to better automate since I do the same type of data filtering each month. I decided to create a table with the data that is linked to a pivot table which sorts and filters it into the format that I need as long as I manually adjust a couple things. However, whenever I add new data to the table, the date filter at the top of the pivot table does not show in chronological order. (Accountant working on April data and need to remove anything that was posted in May.)

Theoretically I could use the timeline feature, but I'd rather not. I have resorted the source table in chronological order; I have removed the filter and re-added it in various formats. I've changed the data source, played with various settings. Is there a quick "fix" for this without manually creating the pivot table each time?

I have several of these pivot tables on a sheet extracting different data sets sourced from the same table. In one of them, I need to see ONLY the items with a May date, so having to scroll through to check or uncheck the correct dates if they are out of order could lead to errors.

Additionally, assuming that this can be corrected. Is there a way for an excel sheet to automatically add or remove row (by hiding or deleting, don't care which) as a pivot table gets longer or shorter so I don't have to guess how many rows I need to add before it cuts into other data below it? Sometimes I need 70+ rows and others only 30. I'm sure there's an overall better way to do what I'm doing.

Thanks in advance.

https://preview.redd.it/56optogx0qzg1.png?width=406&format=png&auto=webp&s=551180d29effbcfedb7038f60612e33f4e897d3d

submitted by /u/inez6453
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