> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.modelreef.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.modelreef.io/how-tos/dashboards-and-reporting/build-a-kpi-dashboard.md).

# Build a KPI Dashboard

This guide explains how to build a KPI dashboard in Model Reef that surfaces key financial and operational metrics, using the model as the single source of truth for definitions and time series.

## Before you start

You should have:

* A model with the main financial statements and core drivers in place.
* Clarity on which KPIs matter for your organisation, for example:
  * Growth metrics.
  * Margin metrics.
  * Cash and runway.
  * Unit economics.

If needed, review:

* **Build a Unit Economics Model**
* **Build an Executive Dashboard**

## What you will build

* A dedicated KPI dashboard page containing:
  * KPI cards for headline metrics.
  * Supporting charts for context.
* A consistent mapping between KPI definitions and model series.

## Step 1: Choose a small set of primary KPIs

Focus on three to ten primary KPIs, for example:

* Revenue growth rate.
* Gross margin percentage.
* EBITDA margin.
* Cash runway in months.
* Net revenue retention or churn.
* Contribution margin per unit.

Write down the precise definition of each KPI so that you can implement it consistently.

## Step 2: Map KPI definitions to model series

For each KPI, decide which model series or formula represent it, for example:

* Revenue growth rate:
  * Growth in total revenue between periods. (You may calculate this outside the engine if you need explicit percentage change over time.)
* Gross margin percentage:
  * Gross profit divided by revenue.
* Cash runway:
  * Minimum of closing cash divided by current or planned burn rate.

Use existing variables, categories and valuation outputs where possible to avoid duplication.

## Step 3: Implement KPI cards and charts

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### KPI cards for point-in-time metrics

Create KPI cards for point-in-time metrics, for example:

* Current year revenue.
* Current year EBITDA margin.
* Minimum cash balance in the forecast.

Each KPI card should link back to a clear model series or simple formula using the arithmetic capabilities of the chart engine where appropriate.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Charts for trend-based KPIs

Create line or bar charts for trend based KPIs, for example:

* Revenue and EBITDA over time.
* Gross margin percentage over time.
* Active customers or units over time.

Each chart should reference the model series used to calculate the KPI so viewers can trace the calculation.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Step 4: Group KPIs into logical sections

Organise the dashboard so that related KPIs sit together, for example:

* Growth:
  * Revenue, customer count, new vs existing business.
* Profitability:
  * Gross margin, EBITDA margin, contribution per unit.
* Liquidity:
  * Cash, net debt, runway.
* Efficiency:
  * Spend per unit, revenue per employee where available.

This makes the dashboard easier to scan and interpretations easier to share.

## Step 5: Align KPIs with external reporting

If you report KPIs to investors, lenders or other stakeholders, ensure that:

* Definitions in Model Reef match those external definitions.
* Any differences are documented and explained.
* The KPI dashboard can serve as the primary internal reference for those metrics.

This reduces confusion and misalignment between internal and external numbers.

## Step 6: Keep the KPI set stable but adjustable

KPI dashboards are most useful when they are consistent over time, but your business may evolve.

* Keep the core set stable across reporting periods so that trends are meaningful.
* Add or retire KPIs only when your business or strategy changes materially.
* Document changes so that future readers understand why they were made.

Use tags or naming conventions inside Model Reef to track which variables are used as KPI sources.

## Check your work

* Each KPI has a clear definition traceable back to model series.
* Dashboard layout is understandable in a few seconds.
* KPI values match any external reports that rely on the same definitions.
* The dashboard works at the period aggregation level your audience uses.

## Troubleshooting

<details>

<summary><strong>Stakeholders disagree on KPI definitions</strong></summary>

Document definitions explicitly and adjust the model only once consensus is reached.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Too many KPIs dilute focus</strong></summary>

Move lower priority metrics into a secondary dashboard or detailed report.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>KPI trends are volatile or noisy</strong></summary>

Consider using longer period aggregation or focusing on rolling or annual metrics in external tools.

</details>

## Related guides

* [IRR/MOIC & Waterfall Models](/use-cases/portfolio-funds-vc-pe-and-family-offices/irr-moic-and-waterfall-models.md)
* [Consolidation Logic](/help/building-your-model/consolidation-logic.md)
* [Current Assets](/help/financial-outputs-and-valuation/current-assets.md)
* [KPI Cards](/syntax/chart-and-table-syntax/kpi-cards.md)