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When it comes to data management, there are few tools we use more frequently than spreadsheets. They’re incredibly flexible and can be used for everything from budgeting to project management. One of the most powerful features of spreadsheets, and Excel in particular, is the ability to create tables. Tables allow you to easily sort and filter data, summarize it with subtotals, and create complex data models with pivot tables.
However, there are times when the data we need to work with is not structured in a way that makes analysis easy. For example, you may have a dataset where each row represents a transaction, but you need to summarize the data by month. Or you may have a dataset where the column headers represent dates, but you need the data organized by row instead. In these cases, using an Excel table transposer can be a real time-saver.
In this post, we’ll introduce you to some of the best Excel table transposing software on the market, and provide insights on what to consider when choosing a table transposer. We’ll also give you some pros and cons of each tool, a comprehensive comparison of each software, and our thoughts on which tool is best. Lastly, we’ll end with some frequently asked questions about Excel Table Transposer software.
Video Tutorial:
What Can an Excel Table Transposer Do?
Excel table transposing software is designed to help you quickly and easily change the structure of your data tables. This can be especially useful for making key insights more visible in your data and for preparing reports that rely on certain data arrangements.
Here are some common ways you might use an Excel table transposer:
– Summarize data by column: If you have a long list of transactions in rows, you can use an Excel table transposer to pivot your data so that the columns represent types of transactions instead.
– Summarize data by row: If you have a table with many columns, an Excel table transposer can help you switch the columns to rows in a more readable table.
– Rearrange data: Excel table transposing software can help you rearrange data within a table. You can use this feature to alphabetize data, sort by numbers, or group rows together.
What Factors Should Be Considered While Choosing Excel Table Transposer?
When choosing Excel table transposing software, there are several key factors to consider:
Features:
One factor to look for is the range of features the software offers. Some software includes basic features like transposing tables, while others also offer functions for selecting certain data ranges within tables, sorting by headers, or changing data types.
Usability:
Ease of use is another important factor to consider. Look for software with an intuitive interface that makes it easy to get started on transposing tables. Bonus points for software that offers helpful tutorials or documentation.
Price:
Most desktop-based Excel table transposing software is available on a one-time purchase basis, while many web-based solutions are offered on a subscription basis. Consider your budget and how many features you need before choosing your software.
Data Limitations:
Some Excel table transposing software has table size limits. Make sure you select software that can handle tables as large as you need them to be.
Output Preferences:
Different Excel table transposing tools may output data in different formats, such as CSV or Excel. Make sure you choose software that outputs the format you need.
Top 7 Excel Table Transposers
Top 1 – ASAP Utilities
ASAP Utilities is a popular Excel add-in that offers a wide range of features, including many that help with transposing tables. It provides more than 300 features to choose from including transpose options that allow you to swap rows and columns, rotate table data and create new summaries. The add-in is easy to install and has a clear and simple interface that is easy to navigate.
Pros:
– Offers more than 300 Excel add-in features, including transposing tables.
– Easy to install.
– Intuitive and easy to use for both novice and advanced users.
– Provides 90-day money-back guarantee.
Cons:
– The interface is not customizable.
– The software is not free.
Top 2 – Kutools for Excel
Kutools for Excel is another powerful Excel add-in that provides more than 300 features for Microsoft Office enthusiast users. It includes a rich set of tools for sorting, converting & managing tables. Taking advantage of its Transpose Range feature, the software allows quick and easy transposing of large tables. It is perfect for organizations and individuals alike, and well-suited for those working with long and complicated spreadsheets.
Pros:
– Easy to install and navigate.
– Has a wide range of functions, including transposing tables.
– Can work with all versions of Microsoft Excel.
– Supports range processing that allows large table transposing.
Cons:
– It’s not free.
– It can be overwhelming for new users
Top 3 – Microsoft Excel Transpose Function
Excel includes a built-in transpose feature that makes it easy to quickly convert your data from columns to rows and vice versa. The function is simple and straightforward to use: select the range of cells you want to transpose, copy it, then paste it into a new area of your worksheet using the Paste Special command. In the dialogue box that appears, check the Transpose box.
Pros:
– It is free and included in Microsoft Excel.
– Allows for quick and simple transposing of small tables.
Cons:
– It doesn’t work well with larger tables.
– It doesn’t include all of the features of dedicated Excel table transposing software like ASAP Utilities.
Top 4 – AbleBits Ultimate Suite for Excel
Ablebits Ultimate Suite for Excel is a comprehensive collection of time-saving tools for Microsoft Excel. The add-in consists of more than 60 professional tools and provides over 300 options that make tasks easier and faster. It includes a tool specifically for transposing columns and rows, making it easy to switch around your data.
Pros:
– Contains more than 60 powerful Excel tools, including transposing tables.
– Offers powerful formatting options, including ones that are not available in Excel.
– Easy to use interface.
Cons:
– The free trial is limited to 30-days and in addition to $149 necessary to purchase it.
Top 5 – Google Sheets
Google Sheets is a free alternative to Excel that provides many similar features, including transpose. The interface is intuitive and easy to use, and the cloud-based nature of the software allows for easy sharing and collaboration.
Pros:
– Free to use.
– Easy to collaborate with other users.
– Intuitive interface.
Cons:
– Lacks certain advanced features that are available in desktop-based Excel table transposing software.
– Data must be stored in Google Sheets instead of your computer.
Top 6 – TransposeData
TransposeData is another Excel add-in that is designed to facilitate the process of table transposing. It supports rotating multiple columns or rows of data and can easily switch to other add-ins for more complex data processing.
Pros:
– Provides quick and easy data transposition.
– Conveniently integrated with Microsoft Excel.
– Intuitive user interface.
Cons:
– Limited functionality in the free version.
– The interface is slightly outdated.
Top 7 – XLTools.net
XLTools.net is an add-in with more than 60 professional tools to simplify excel tasks. It offers an extensive range of features including table transposing, which allows you to switch column and row layouts. The interface is sleek, modern and easy to navigate.
Pros:
– Offers a variety of Excel add-in features, including table transposing software.
– A modern interface and easy navigation.
– 14-day free trial available.
Cons:
– It requires a monthly or yearly subscription for full access to features.
– Some functions will only work on a PC with Microsoft Excel installed.
Pros and Cons of Each Software
| Software | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| ASAP Utilities | – Offers more than 300 Excel add-in features, including transposing tables. – Easy to install. – Intuitive and easy to use. – Provides 90-day money-back guarantee. |
– The interface is not customizable. – The software is not free. |
| Kutools for Excel | – Easy to install and navigate. – Has a wide range of functions, including transposing tables. – Can work with all versions of Microsoft Excel. – Supports range processing that allows large table transposing. |
– It’s not free. – It can be overwhelming for new users |
| Microsoft Excel Transpose Function | – It is free and included in Microsoft Excel. – Allows for quick and simple transposing of small tables. |
– It doesn’t work well with larger tables. – It doesn’t include all of the features of dedicated Excel table transposing software like ASAP Utilities. |
| AbleBits Ultimate Suite for Excel | – Contains more than 60 powerful Excel tools, including transposing tables. – Offers powerful formatting options, including ones that are not available in Excel. – Easy to use interface. |
– The free trial is limited to 30-days and in addition to $149 necessary to purchase it. |
| Google Sheets | – Free to use. – Easy to collaborate with other users. – Intuitive interface. |
– Lacks certain advanced features that are available on desktop-based Excel table transposing software. – Data must be stored on Google Sheets, instead of your computer. |
| TransposeData | – Provides quick and easy data transposition. – Conveniently integrated with Microsoft Excel. – Intuitive user interface. |
– Limited functionality in the free version. – The interface is slightly outdated. |
| XLTools.net | – Offers a variety of Excel add-in features, including table transposing software. – A modern interface and easy navigation. – 14-day free trial available. |
– It requires a monthly or yearly subscription for full access to features. – Some functions will only work on a PC with Microsoft Excel installed. |
Our Thoughts on Excel Table Transposer Software
Based on our reviews and comparisons, we would recommend ASAP Utilities or Kutools for Excel as the top choices for general-purpose Excel table transposing. Both offer many more features than the built-in Excel Transpose function, and their user interfaces are more intuitive and easier to use than other options. Microsoft Excel Transpose function is a great solution for smaller tables and offers the convenience of being built into the software.
Alternatively, Google Sheets may be the best choice for users who frequently collaborate on spreadsheets with others, while XLTools.net offers the functionality of a powerful set of website tools.
Ultimately, the right choice for you will depend on your data needs, budget, and preferences.
FAQs
Q1: What’s the difference between free and paid tools?
A: Free tools tend to have less functionality and may be more limited than paid options. Paid tools often offer more features and have better customer support.
Q2: What is a good size for a table that should be used with a table transposer?
A: The ideal size for a table depends on your computer’s processing power and RAM. However, most software works well with tables up to tens of thousands of rows.
Q3: Is it possible at all to transpose a table manually only?
A: Yes, it is possible, but it can take a lot of time and be prone to errors. Using Excel table transposing software can save a lot of time and effort.
Q4: Can table transposing software search and replace values?
A: Yes, some software, such as Kutools for Excel, offers search and replace functionality.
Q5: Is Microsoft Excel Transpose Function still useful if I have third-party software?
A: Yes, the Microsoft Excel Transpose function is a quick and easy solution for small tables and can be used alongside third-party software to achieve complex data transformations.
Final Words
Excel table transposing softwares are essential tools for anyone who frequently works with datasets. By quickly re-arranging tables to meet your needs, transposing software can be a real time-saver for analysts, project managers, accountants, and others who work with spreadsheets regularly. While some users may prefer free options like Microsoft Excel’s built-in Transpose function or Google Sheets, investing in third-party software like ASAP Utilities or Kutools for Excel can provide much greater functionality and save time and effort in the long run.