Pivot table in numbers - limit to number of fields in rows and columns?

I cannot read the details in your image so it is hard to recreate an example of your table with some data.

Perhaps try using another feature of Numbers called categories.

duplicate your table and change all the header columns to regular columns.

Then choose the first row to be a header row and enable categories (make sure the table is active by select one cell, then in the top right click ORGANIZE):

Add columns as needed:

In the rows where rows collapse (or expand), right click to add summary information

Kaleen_pl wrote:

Here is what I am trying to do.

I wanted to use Numbers pivot tables (like I used to in other spreadsheets software) to consolidate data about these elements so that we can send order to the wood-cutting department. The pivot should list the different elements and counts them in the last column.

As you have probably discovered Pivot Tables are good a summing and counting your data.

They are not necessarily good at listing things.

Note that you can filter Pivot Tables. So you could filter for a subset of your data and stay within the 5-field limit that way.

SG

Pivot Tables are a relatively new addition to Numbers. Very useful. Glad to see you are using them!

It is unclear whether the limit of 5 fields in the Columns and Rows boxes in Pivot Options for Pivot Tables is related to the long-standing limit on the number of Header Rows and Columns in "regular" tables.

However, in experimenting with Pivot Tables, I am having a hard time visualizing why you would want even that many. Usually I find I want one, or at most two, in any one of those boxes at any one time.

Have you had a look at the 'Pivot Table Basics' template at File > New in the menu?

Perhaps you could post a screenshot of your data table and what you are trying to show in a Pivot Table.

SG

Not a bug. Just a limitation. Numbers has had 5 header/row limit for as long as I can recall.

you may post feedback to Apple using the Numbers menu item "Number > Provide Numbers Feedback"