# View financial information in a matrix (change column groups) By default, the Financial Statements grid displays your financial information in period column groups, as in a standard Profit and Loss statement. This allows you to compare overall performance across periods. To analyse performance at a lower level, such as by country, product, or customer (other dimensions), switch to a matrix format using **column groups**. This lets you break the data down and compare items side by side. {% embed url="" %} View financial information in a matrix (change column groups) {% endembed %} {% hint style="success" %} Watch this PUG Training videos: [Financial Statements – Advanced](https://www.phocassoftware.com/customer/training-series/financial-statements#session2) (jump to 08:23) {% endhint %} ## Learn about the matrix format The *matrix* format is an alternative way to view your financial information; it transforms the columns in the statement grid. When you [add levels](/financial-statements/using-statements/manage-statement-levels.md), you introduce additional rows to show how different items contribute to overall performance. In contrast, column groups add this comparison across columns, allowing you to view different items side by side.

The difference between adding column groups and levels to the grid

Use column groups to compare performance horizontally and identify differences more easily. This format also works well with charts. You can switch between different dimensions or entities, and the chart updates accordingly. This feature is available in Financial Statements. If you click a dimension, you move into Analytics, where you can use [Matrix mode](/analytics/compare-data-with-matrix-mode.md) to achieve a similar result. ## Change the column groups Drag a dimension into the **Column groups** drop zone to instantly transform the statement grid into a matrix format.

Alternatively, click the **Add** button in the **Column groups** area to open the menu, then select a dimension. Click outside the menu to apply the change. This method allows you to [filter the dimension entities](#filter-the-dimension-entities) that are added as columns. When you change the column groups, additional columns are added to the grid. Scroll to view them all. If you add a dimension with a large number of entities, only the first 25 entities display in the grid. This helps maintain performance and avoid errors. You can manually include more if needed, via the dimension entity filter. ## Work with columns in the grid After applying column groups, if the grid contains many columns, you can reduce the data to focus on key information. #### Hide the code or name in the column headers By default, both the code and name of the dimension entities display in the column headers. Hiding one is useful when the header is long and wraps onto multiple lines. Open the **Column groups** menu, then select the header option you want. Click outside the menu to apply the change.

#### Filter the dimension entities Open the **Column groups** menu, then select the entities you want to include. Click outside the menu to apply the change. The other columns are removed from the grid. For example, if you select the Department dimension, you can view one department, compare a selection of departments, or compare all departments.

#### Remove other columns [Remove other columns from the grid](/financial-statements/using-statements/customize-your-view-financial-statements/change-the-columns.md) as required. The **Columns** > **Periods** options (**Latest**, **All** and **Sparklines**) are unavailable when column groups are applied. ## View matrixed data in a chart After changing the column groups, click the **Chart** button in the top right toolbar above the grid. The chart pane slides out from the right of the screen, displaying data for the new column groups rather than the time period. See [View financial information in a chart](/financial-statements/using-statements/view-financial-information-in-a-chart.md) for more information. ## Revert to the default view To return to the default grid format with period columns, either: * In the **Column groups** area, click the **X** on the dimension. * In the dimension panel, click the **X** next to the dimension. The grid resets to display the default period columns.

To completely reset the data, click the **Reset** button. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.phocassoftware.com/financial-statements/using-statements/view-financial-information-in-a-matrix-column-groups.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.