Create a Time-Series Calculation in a Workbook

Use time-series calculations to compare measure values over time in a workbook. For example, you might want to analyze year-over-year (YoY) performance.

You can create time-series calculations in two ways:
  • Use the guided user interface, as described here.
  • Use the expression editor to write functions. See Time Series Functions.
Before you start, here're some tips:
  • Include a date or time column - Make sure your dataset includes a date or time column. If the dataset is based on a subject area, make sure that the date or time column is defined in a hierarchy, such as Year - Quarter - Month - Week.
  • Keep previous periods in your data - Don't filter out earlier periods. If you remove them, calculations can return null values.
  • Avoid single-period datasets - If your data includes only one period, comparisons aren't possible.
  • Use aggregated datasets when possible - Aggregated data can improve performance and simplify analysis.
  1. On your home page, hover over a workbook, click Actions, and select Open.
  2. In the Data Panel, right-click the My Calculations area for a dataset, and select Create Time Series Calculation.
    Description of time-series-calc-1.png follows
    Description of the illustration time-series-calc-1.png

  3. Use the dialog to configure the calculation.
    Description of time-series-calc-2.png follows
    Description of the illustration time-series-calc-2.png

    • Calculation - The type of time series calculation you want to use. For example, Previous Period.
    • Measure - The measure you want to compare. For example, you might select WebHits to compare the number of website hits.
    • Time Interval - The time-period you want to compare. You either select from a list of predefined values indicating the time level (for non subject-areas), or a level from a time hierarchy that shares the same business model as the measure (for non subject-areas). For example, select Year to compare values with those from a previous year.
    • Offset - The number of time intervals to use for the comparison. For example, enter 3 to compare values from three months earlier.
    • Expression (read-only) - View the underlying calculation specified by your selections.
  4. Click Save.
Drag the calculation onto the workbook canvas to start comparing measure values over time. Time series calculations only work in visualizations that have a time column (for subject areas or non-subject areas) or a time hierarchy (for subject areas) on one of their edges.