How to Rotate a Table in Excel?

Rotating a table in Excel can be approached in a couple of ways, depending on whether you want to rotate a specific table object or rotate the data within a standard Excel table or range.

Method 1: Using the Rotate Command (Based on Reference)

Based on the provided information, one specific method for rotating a table involves a dedicated command:

• You can rotate a table object by navigating to a specific tab and group.
• On the Table tab, in the Table group, click Rotate.
• When you click this command, the table rotates by 90 degrees counterclockwise about its origin.
• Keep clicking the command, and the table will rotate an additional 90 degrees each time.

This method appears to apply to a particular type of table object that has a dedicated "Table" tab and "Rotate" function within its options.

Method 2: Rotating Table Data (Transposing Rows and Columns)

More commonly in standard Excel worksheets, when people refer to "rotating" a table, they mean switching its rows and columns. This is achieved by transposing the data.

Here's how you can transpose your table data:

1. Select the entire range of the table or data you want to rotate.
2. Copy the selected range. You can press Ctrl + C (or Cmd + C on Mac) or right-click and select Copy.
3. Choose a destination cell where you want the transposed data to start. Ensure there is enough empty space, as the dimensions will be flipped (rows become columns, columns become rows).
4. Paste Special:
   • Right-click the destination cell.
   • Select Paste Special... from the context menu.
5. Apply Transpose:
   • In the Paste Special dialog box, under the Operation section, check the Transpose box.
   • Click OK.

Your data will now be "rotated," with the original rows appearing as columns and vice versa at the new location. Note that this creates a copy of your data in a transposed orientation; it does not rotate the original table in place.

Choosing the Right Method

• If you are working with a specific table object that activates a "Table" tab and has a "Rotate" command as described in Method 1, follow those steps.
• If you are working with a standard range of cells or a ListObject table and want to switch its rows and columns, use the Paste Special > Transpose method described in Method 2.

Understanding the distinction between rotating an object and transposing data is key to achieving the desired result in Excel.