# Mapping Subcategories

This article explains how to use subcategories in Model Reef to add detail beneath high level categories without cluttering your main reports.

You will learn:

* The difference between categories and subcategories.
* When subcategories are useful.
* How to map imported lines to subcategories.
* How to use subcategories in custom reports and dashboards.

***

## Categories versus subcategories

* **Categories** define the main reporting buckets in your statements.
* **Subcategories** add one more layer of detail inside each category.

For example:

* Category: `Opex - Marketing`.
  * Subcategories: `Paid Search`, `Brand`, `Events`, `Agencies`.

Subcategories help you drill into a category without forcing every report to show a very long list of primary lines.

***

## When to use subcategories

Subcategories are useful when:

* You have many related variables that should sit under one main category.
* Stakeholders sometimes want to see detail but not always.
* You want to build custom reports that expand certain categories further.
* You plan to track trends for specific subgroups, such as channel level spend.

Examples:

* `Revenue - Subscriptions` with subcategories per plan or region.
* `Opex - Marketing` with subcategories by channel.
* `Staff - Salaries` with subcategories by team or role.
* `Assets - Property` with subcategories by site.

***

## Mapping subcategories during import

In the mapping step you will usually have:

* A field for **category**.
* An optional field for **subcategory**.

You can:

* Use the imported row label directly as a subcategory under a broader category.
* Simplify the category to something like `Opex - Marketing` and keep the more detailed original name as the subcategory.
* Leave the subcategory blank if you do not need that level of detail.

Example:

* Imported row label: `Digital advertising and paid search`.
  * Category: `Opex - Marketing`.
  * Subcategory: `Paid search`.

This gives you both a clean P\&L and the ability to drill into marketing detail later.

***

## Using subcategories in reports and dashboards

In standard statements, you may choose to display:

* Only categories at first.
* Or categories with the option to expand into subcategories.

In custom reports and dashboards you can:

* Filter by subcategory (for example show only `Paid search`).
* Group by subcategory within a category.
* Create charts that compare subcategories over time, such as spend by marketing channel.

Subcategories behave like an additional dimension for reporting, while still being tied to the underlying variable type and category.

***

## Changing subcategories after import

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open the variable or Data Library entry

Locate the variable or Data Library entry that contains the subcategory you want to change.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Edit the subcategory field

Update the **subcategory** field with the new name or selection.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Save changes

Save your edits to apply the update.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Refresh reports

Refresh any reports that present subcategory detail so they reflect your changes.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

This allows you to tidy naming or consolidate subcategories over time as your reporting needs evolve.

***

## Practical tips

* Use subcategories sparingly at first to avoid overcomplication.
* Be consistent in naming across models so that cross entity reports behave predictably.
* Treat subcategories as a reporting tool, not a replacement for good variable naming.

***

## Related articles

* [Capital Projects & Infrastructure](/use-cases/capital-projects-and-infrastructure.md)
* [Build a Capex & Depreciation Model](/how-tos/operations-and-unit-economics/build-a-capex-and-depreciation-model.md)
* [COGS Mapping](/help/financial-outputs-and-valuation/cogs-mapping.md)
* [Variable Type](/syntax/variables-syntax/variable-type.md)


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