Explore and Analyze Data41% of the exam

Totals, reference lines, bands and distributions

Turn on grand totals and subtotals and choose between Automatic and two-pass totals, then add reference lines, bands, average lines and distribution bands from the Analytics pane with the right scope, computation and drop target.

Official exam objective
Summarize, model, and customize data by using the Analytics pane: Totals and subtotals; Reference lines; Reference bands; Average lines; Trend lines; Distribution bands; Forecast by using default settings; Customize a data forecasting model.

~7 min read · 11 practice questions ·

What the exam expects

  • Turn on grand totals and subtotals, and choose Automatic or a Total All Using aggregation so totals match the view.
  • Add a reference line with the right value, aggregation (Total versus Average) and scope (Table, Pane, Cell).
  • Add a reference band between two computed values, and an Average Line or Average with 95% CI.
  • Configure a distribution band by Percentages, Percentiles, Quantiles or Standard Deviation.
  • Target one axis of a dual-axis view with the expanded drop area.

Trend lines and forecasting (default and customized models) are taught in Trend lines and forecasting models; the first reference line and totals are in the Desktop Foundations unit Sorting, reference lines and totals.

Key terms:

  • Two-pass total: a total that aggregates the values shown in the view, not the underlying rows.
  • Scope: Table, Pane or Cell, the part of the view a line, band or distribution is computed over.
  • Reference band: shading between two constant or computed values on a continuous axis.
  • Reference distribution: a gradient of shading defined by percentages, percentiles, quantiles or standard deviation.
  • Confidence interval: shading where the population average falls n% of the time.

Key facts

Grand total prerequisites
Detail
At least one header; aggregated measures; not continuous dimensions
Automatic totals
Detail
Computed from disaggregated underlying data
Two-pass totals
Detail
Analysis > Totals > Total All Using > an aggregation
Table calcs and secondary sources
Detail
Only Automatic totals
Reference line Value
Detail
Continuous field in the view, or a parameter
Weighted average line
Detail
Total aggregation
Quantiles
Detail
3 to 10 tiles
Average with 95% CI
Detail
Average line plus bands where the population average falls 95% of the time
Box plot scope
Detail
Always Cell
Sources for this section (3)
  • Why do Median with Quartiles and Average with 95% CI need two deletions to remove?
  • When are only Automatic totals available?
  • How many tiles can a Quantiles distribution use?
  • When does a reference band need its From and To values to differ?

The questions are free to read. Answers with their sources and self-grading are included with the pack.

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