Summarize Data in a Chart

Overview

When charting data using numerical or date/time arguments, the chart may be simplified by consolidating data points into a smaller set. For example, daily transaction data can be shown by month or year.

There are two related techniques for summarizing data on a chart. Generally, the scale options of the X-Axis will be used first and then the series summary options when such things like Count Distinct are needed.

Scale Options of the X-Axis

Properties as seen from the main property window

There are many scale options for the X-Axis. These are the key properties for summarization.

  • Aggregate Function: Method for aggregating the set of values for each summarized argument. If setting this function, the Summary Options of the Series Aggregate Function should typically be set to None.
    • Minimum, Maximum, Sum, Count, Histogram, Financial
    • Custom is not used.
  • Measure Unit: The summary unit for the argument. For date/time, this will be from milliseconds to years. Unused if the Summary Options of the Series 'Use Axis Measure Unit' option is not set.
  • Measure Unit Multiplier: Allows for aggregating multiples of the selected measure unit (aggregate for every 10 years, 6 months, etc.). Unused if the Summary Options of the Series 'Use Axis Measure Unit' option is not set.

Summary Options of the Series

After creating a chart with a date/time or numerical argument with any type of value, select the series in the chart designer and navigate to the 'Date-Time Summary Options' or 'Numerical Summary Options' properties under the Data section of the Properties tab.
Properties as seen from the Chart Designer

From here, you have a few key properties:

  • Measure Unit: The summary unit for the argument. For date/time, this will be from milliseconds to years.
  • Measure Unit Multiplier: Allows for aggregating multiples of the selected measure unit (aggregate for every 10 years, 6 months, etc.)
  • Summary Function: Method for aggregating the set of values for each summarized argument. If setting this function, the X-Axis scale option's Aggregate Function should typically be set to None.
    • MIN, MAX, SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, COUNT DISTINCT
  • Tag: Unused.
  • Use Axis Measure Unit: If selected, Measure Unit and multiplier in this section are ignored and the properties of the same name in the X-Axis scale options will be used instead. Set by default.