How to Delete a Calculated Field in Excel?

Do you want to know how to delete a calculated field in Excel? The process can be a bit tricky and time consuming, so it’s important to understand the steps involved in order to do it correctly. In this article, you’ll learn the exact steps to delete a calculated field in Excel so you can quickly and easily make changes to your spreadsheet. Let’s get started!

Understanding Calculated Fields in Excel

Calculated fields are values that are derived from the data in an Excel spreadsheet. They are used to create summaries, make calculations and provide insights into the data. Calculated fields can be created in a variety of ways and provide a great way to analyze data within an Excel spreadsheet.

Calculated fields are created by adding formulas to a spreadsheet. These formulas can be used to add, subtract, multiply, divide and otherwise manipulate the data in the spreadsheet. They can also be used to create summary values and provide insights into the data. Calculated fields can be used to compare data, to identify trends and to generate reports.

Calculated fields can also be used to create charts and graphs. Charts and graphs are a great way to visualize the data in an Excel spreadsheet and can be used to quickly identify trends, outliers and other insights.

Deleting a Calculated Field in Excel

Deleting a calculated field in Excel is simple. First, find the calculated field in the spreadsheet. This can be done by searching for the calculated field name in the formula bar.

Once the calculated field is found, select the cell containing the calculated field and delete the formula. This will delete the calculated field from the spreadsheet. If the calculated field is used in any other formulas or charts, those formulas and charts will no longer be valid.

It is important to note that if the data that the calculated field was based on is changed, the calculated field will be automatically recalculated. If the calculated field is no longer needed, it is important to delete it to avoid unnecessary calculations.

Deleting a Calculated Field from a Chart in Excel

If a calculated field is used in a chart, it will need to be deleted from the chart in order to remove it. To do this, select the chart and click on the chart elements button. This is the button that looks like a plus sign (+) in the top right corner of the chart.

From the chart elements menu, click on the calculated field that needs to be deleted. This will open a dialog box that will allow the user to delete the calculated field from the chart. Once the calculated field is deleted, it will no longer appear in the chart.

Deleting a Calculated Field from a Pivot Table in Excel

Pivot tables are a great way to analyze data in Excel. If a calculated field is used in a pivot table, it will need to be deleted from the pivot table in order to remove it. To do this, select the pivot table and click on the pivot table elements button. This is the button that looks like a plus sign (+) in the top right corner of the pivot table.

From the pivot table elements menu, click on the calculated field that needs to be deleted. This will open a dialog box that will allow the user to delete the calculated field from the pivot table. Once the calculated field is deleted, it will no longer appear in the pivot table.

Deleting a Calculated Field from a Formula in Excel

If a calculated field is used in a formula, it will need to be deleted from the formula in order to remove it. To do this, select the cell containing the formula and delete the part of the formula that references the calculated field. Once the calculated field is deleted from the formula, it will no longer be used in the formula and the formula will be updated.

Tips for Deleting Calculated Fields in Excel

Check All Formulas

Before deleting a calculated field, it is important to check all formulas that use the calculated field to make sure that the formulas will still be valid after the calculated field is deleted. If the formulas will not be valid after the calculated field is deleted, it is important to update the formulas before deleting the calculated field.

Delete the Calculated Field

Once all of the formulas that use the calculated field have been updated, it is safe to delete the calculated field. This can be done by selecting the cell containing the calculated field and deleting the formula. This will delete the calculated field from the spreadsheet.

Check Charts and Pivot Tables

If the calculated field is used in any charts or pivot tables, those charts and pivot tables will need to be updated. To do this, select the chart or pivot table and click on the chart or pivot table elements button. This will open a dialog box that will allow the user to delete the calculated field from the chart or pivot table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is a Calculated Field in Excel?

A Calculated Field in Excel is a custom field that can be created to perform calculations or manipulations on existing fields within a PivotTable. This type of field is created using the Calculated Field dialog box, which allows the user to enter a formula or expression that will be used to calculate a result. This result can then be used within the PivotTable to create custom views of the data. Calculated Fields can also be used to create formulas or expressions that involve data from multiple columns or tables.

Q2. How to Create a Calculated Field in Excel?

To create a Calculated Field in Excel, first select the PivotTable you wish to work with. From the PivotTable menu, select the “Formulas” option and then choose the “Calculated Field” option from the drop-down menu. This will open the Calculated Field dialog box, in which you can enter the formula or expression you wish to use for your Calculated Field. Once you have entered your formula or expression, click “OK” to apply the Calculated Field to your PivotTable.

Q3. What are the Benefits of Using a Calculated Field in Excel?

Using a Calculated Field in Excel can be beneficial in a variety of ways. It can allow users to perform calculations on existing data, such as calculating the average of a set of numbers or finding the total of a column. It can also be used to create formulas or expressions that involve data from multiple columns or tables. Calculated Fields can also be used to create custom views of the data, such as creating a chart that shows the average of a set of numbers over time.

Q4. What is the Difference between a Calculated Field and a Formula?

The main difference between a Calculated Field and a Formula is that a Calculated Field is created using the Calculated Field dialog box, while a Formula is created using formulas or expressions entered directly into a cell. A Calculated Field is designed to be used within a PivotTable and is not able to be used outside of the PivotTable. A Formula can be used in any spreadsheet but it is not able to be used within a PivotTable.

Q5. How to Delete a Calculated Field in Excel?

To delete a Calculated Field in Excel, first select the PivotTable you wish to work with. From the PivotTable menu, select the “Formulas” option and then choose the “Calculated Field” option from the drop-down menu. This will open the Calculated Field dialog box, in which you can select the Calculated Field you wish to delete. Once the Calculated Field is selected, click the “Delete” button to delete the Calculated Field from your PivotTable.

Q6. What is the Difference Between Deleting and Hiding a Calculated Field in Excel?

The main difference between deleting and hiding a Calculated Field in Excel is that deleting a Calculated Field will remove it from the PivotTable completely, while hiding a Calculated Field will only hide the Calculated Field from view in the PivotTable. Deleting a Calculated Field is the only way to remove it from the PivotTable completely, while hiding a Calculated Field can be easily reversed by simply selecting the “Show” option in the Calculated Field dialog box.

Deleting a calculated field in Excel is a simple task once you understand the process. With the tips provided in this article, you can quickly and easily delete any calculated fields that you no longer need in your Excel spreadsheet. By following these steps, you can keep your spreadsheet organized and efficient, allowing you to quickly find the data you need.