Do you need to add or remove subtotals in your Power BI matrix visual?

Power BI’s Matrix visual is a powerful tool for presenting data in a structured format, allowing users to analyze information across multiple dimensions.

However, the inclusion of subtotals can sometimes lead to confusion or unnecessary clutter in reports.

This article aims to demystify the use of subtotals in Power BI Matrix visuals, providing insights into how to effectively add or remove them to tailor your reports to specific analytical needs.

Understanding Subtotals in Power BI Matrix Visuals

Subtotals are summary calculations displayed at various levels within a matrix visual in Power BI. They offer a quick overview by presenting aggregated values for specific categories or hierarchies within the data.

The Matrix visual automatically generates subtotals based on the hierarchy or grouping defined in the rows and columns. These subtotals can appear at different levels, summarizing data within groups, categories, or total columns/rows.

You will find the examples in this article using the above matrix visualization. Follow similar steps to create your own if you want to follow along.

It is constructed using these parts.

• 2 fields in the Rows field, CategoryName & SubCategoryName.
• 1 field in the Columns field, Year.
• 1 measure in the Values Field. Total Revenue.

as a result of the above structure, Power BI generated Column subtotals (Highlighted in Green) and Row subtotals (Highlighted in Red).

Adding Subtotals in Power BI Matrix Visuals:

When designing a report in Power BI using the Matrix visual, subtotals are added by default based on the data’s hierarchy or grouping.

How to Add or Modify Subtotals

1. Open your Power BI report and navigate to the page containing the Matrix visual.
2. Select the Matrix visual to activate it.
3. Go to the Fields Pane on the right.
4. Drag and drop the fields you want to use for row and column grouping into the Rows and Columns sections, respectively.
5. Power BI automatically generates subtotals based on the defined hierarchy.

How to Remove Subtotals in Power BI Matrix Visuals

While subtotals can be useful, there are instances where their inclusion may not be necessary or desired. Fortunately, Power BI offers options to remove subtotals when needed.

1. Select the Matrix visual to activate it.
2. Go to the formatting pane.
3. From there, you can toggle off subtotals for rows or columns based on your preferences.

Conclusions

Subtotals in Power BI Matrix visuals offer valuable summary insights into hierarchical data structures, aiding in quick analysis and understanding. However, their inclusion might not always align with specific reporting needs or user preferences.

This article has provided a comprehensive guide on how to add and remove subtotals in Power BI Matrix visuals. By understanding these functionalities, report creators and analysts can have greater control over their reports, tailoring them to present data in the most effective and focused manner.

Whether opting for a detailed breakdown or a concise view, mastering subtotals empowers users to craft more insightful and impactful reports in Power BI.