> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.phocassoftware.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.phocassoftware.com/flex-modes/change-your-analysis/change-the-measure.md). # Change the measure Use the Measure menu to change the numerical data values that displays in the grid. {% hint style="info" %} User permission: **Query** {% endhint %} Measures are different types of numerical data values in the database. Some measures contain raw data, such as Value, Cost and Quantity. Others are calculated from that data, such as Profit and Margin. The available measures depend on the database and selected stream. For example, a measure that's available in the *Sales Invoices* stream might not be available in the *Budget* stream. The table shows examples of measures you might see in a Sales database.

Measure	Data or value displayed	Data source
Value	Value of sales (sales value)	Raw data
Cost	Cost of sales (cost price)	Raw data
Quantity	Quantity of items sold	Raw data
Profit	Profit as a dollar or pound value (Value – Cost)	Calculated
Margin	Margin as a percentage (Profit / Value)	Calculated
Value/Item	Average sales value per item (Value / Quantity)	Calculated
Cost/Item	Average cost per item (Cost / Quantity)	Calculated
Lines	Number of transaction lines imported into the database	Raw data

For calculated measures, the value in the **Total** row isn't the sum of the values in the grid. The calculation is applied to the total data instead. For example, if **Margin** is calculated as Profit divided by Value, the **Total** row calculates *total Profit divided by total Value*. It doesn't add together the margin percentages displayed for each row. ### Change the measure 1. Click the **Measure** menu. 2. Select the measure(s) you want to view and clear the measures you don't want. You must have at least one measure selected. 3. Click anywhere outside the **Measure** menu to close it. The grid updates as you select or clear properties. If you select multiple measures, the **Measure** menu displays a summary. Hover over the menu to see all the selected measures. Your measure selections remain until you reset the grid.

Value, Cost and Quantity columns displaying in the grid

{% hint style="success" %} If you frequently use a measure that isn't the default, save your view as a favorite to keep your measure selection for later. To return to the default view, click **Reset**. {% endhint %} ### Count entities Use **Count** to replace the measure values with a count of unique entities in a dimension. For example, you can count the number of products bought by each customer or the number of customers in each region. 1. Select the dimension you want to analyze. For example, **Customer Ship To**. 2. Click **Measure** > **Count**. 3. Select the dimension containing the entities you want to count. For example, **Product**. The grid updates to display the count.

Count column showing the number of products bought by each customer.

### Change the number format Change how the values in a measure column display in the grid. For example, you can show or hide decimal places or thousands separators. 1. Click the column menu, then select **Number format**. 2. Select a number format. 3. If applicable, select **Percent** to display the values as percentages. The values in the column update to the selected format.

### Do more with measures Add a [measure column](/flex-modes/customize-the-grid/manage-columns.md#add-a-measure-column) to compare additional data side by side in the grid. You can use a different stream or period for each measure column. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://docs.phocassoftware.com/flex-modes/change-your-analysis/change-the-measure.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. 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.