The new Comparison feature in Rows lets you compare data from a previous period to your current data in a Data Table. This is particularly useful for analyzing trends, tracking performance, and making data-driven decisions. Here’s how you can use this feature effectively.
Comparison Limitations
Note: Comparison is not possible if either period lacks data or if dimensions are non-numeric. Unique IDs or dates cannot be compared.
Getting started
- Import Data into Rows
- Begin by clicking on the Integration option in Rows.
- Search for and select an integration. For this example, let’s choose Google Analytics.
- Connect your account and select a report, such as the "User Acquisition" report. This will populate your Data Table with metrics like New Users, Active Users, Engaged Sessions etc.
- Verify Your Data Source
- Click on the Edit option, then select Source to review your data settings.
- Ensure the date range is set (e.g.,
=LASTXDAYS(28)) for the data you want to analyze.
Adding Comparison Data
- Enable Comparison Data
- From the Data Table, click on the Edit option, slelct Comparison, then choose the metrics you want to compare (e.g., New Users, Active Users, Engaged Sessions).
- Configure the date range for comparison using the Compare to dropdown. Here are all the available options:
| Period | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Previous period | Compares the selected time range with the immediately preceding time range of the same length. | If the current range is the first week of January, this compares it to the last week of December. |
| Same period last year | Compares the selected time range with the exact same time range from the previous year. | If the current range is March 1–March 31, 2024, this compares it to March 1–March 31, 2023. |
| Previous 7 days | Compares the data from the selected time range with the data from the 7 days immediately before the current period. | - If the current range is January 8–31, this compares it to January 1–7. - If the current range is January 8–9, this compares it to January 1–7. |
| Previous 30 days | Compares the data from the selected time range with the data from the 30 days immediately before the current period. | - If the current range is January 1–30, this compares it to December 2–31. - If the current range is January 1–7, this compares it to October 3–December 31. |
| Previous 90 days | Compares the data from the selected time range with the data from the 90 days immediately before the current period. | - If the current range is January 1–June 30, this compares it to October 3–December 31. - If the current range is January 1–7, this compares it to October 3–December 31. |
| Previous 365 days | Compares the data from the selected time range with the data from the 365 days immediately before the current period. | - If the current range is January 1, 2024–December 31, 2024, this compares it to January 1, 2023–December 31, 2023. - If the current range is January 1, 2024–Jan 2, 2024, this compares it to January 1, 2023–December 31, 2023. |
| Last month | Compares the data from the selected time range to the data from the most recent full calendar month. | If today is February 15, this compares the current range to January 1–31. |
| Last year | Compares the data from the selected time range to the data from the most recent full calendar year. | If today is February 15, 2024, this compares the current range to January 1–December 31, 2023. |
| Custom* | Allows you to define your own specific time range for comparison, independent of predefined periods. | Compare February 1–February 15, 2024, with June 1–June 15, 2023. |
Note: In all cases except Custom compare range, if source range is dynamic and provided via formula (e.g. =LASTXDAYS(28)), the next execution will update both periods.
- Click Save Changes, and new columns for the selected metrics will appear in your Data Table. These include the 2nd period’s data, delta (absolute difference) and percentage change.
- Adjust Comparison Metrics
- If you don’t need comparisons for specific metrics, return to Edit > Comparison and uncheck the desired metrics. Save your changes, and the corresponding columns will be removed.
Visualizing Comparison Data
You can use comparison data to create insightful charts and visualizations. Here are a few examples:
- Column Chart for Period Comparison
- Select the columns for the current and previous periods.
- Go to Insert > Chart and choose a column chart.
- Customize colors (e.g., lighter shade for previous period, darker for current).
- This visualization helps identify trends, such as a decrease in direct traffic.
- Percentage Change Chart
- Select columns showing percentage change.
- Insert a column chart and customize colors (e.g., green for positive changes, red for negative).
- This highlights the percentage growth or decline between periods.