> 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-multi-period-comparison-dashboard.md).

# Build a Multi Period Comparison Dashboard

This guide explains how to build a multi period comparison dashboard in Model Reef. The aim is to allow users to see how key metrics evolve across months, quarters or years, and to compare multiple planning periods in one place.

Model Reef does not provide explicit time shift formulas such as lag or lead inside the engine. Instead, you use period toggles and chart design to compare different parts of the timeline.

{% hint style="info" %}
Before you start

You should have:

* A model with at least a couple of years of historical and forecast data.
* Clean revenue, cost and cashflow outputs.
* Familiarity with dashboards and period toggles.

If you are new to dashboards, start with:

* **Build an Executive Dashboard**
  {% endhint %}

## What you will build

* A dashboard that shows multiple periods for:
  * Revenue.
  * Gross margin.
  * EBITDA or operating cashflow.
  * Cash balance.
* The ability to aggregate to quarters or years for higher level comparisons.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Decide which periods you want to compare

Clarify what comparisons matter, for example:

* Month by month across the current year.
* Year by year across a four or five year horizon.
* Quarterly views for mid term planning.

Your choice will inform chart type and period toggle settings.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Build base charts for key metrics

Create standard charts in the dashboard layer for:

* Revenue over time.
* Gross profit and margin.
* EBITDA or operating cashflow.
* Cash balance.

At this stage, focus on clean, single metric time series for each chart.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Use period toggles for aggregation

Use the period toggle on charts to switch between aggregation levels:

* Monthly.
* Quarterly.
* Annual.

Check that the chart still conveys meaningful differences at each level. This lets you reuse the same chart structure for different period comparisons.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Overlay multiple series where appropriate

Where it helps, overlay related series on the same chart, for example:

* Revenue and EBITDA on one chart.
* Cash and net debt on another chart.

Avoid overlaying too many series. Use colour and labelling carefully so trends remain clear.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Group charts to tell a time based story

Arrange the dashboard so that it flows along the time dimension, for example:

* Top row: revenue and margin over time.
* Middle row: EBITDA or operating cashflow, and capex if relevant.
* Bottom row: cash, debt and funding metrics.

This layout invites the user to follow how performance and liquidity evolve across multiple periods.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Include summary tables for period comparisons if needed

If you need more explicit period comparisons, use custom reports or exported data to build summary tables showing:

* Yearly totals for key metrics.
* Period over period growth rates computed outside the engine.

Present those tables alongside charts in your documentation.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Check your work

* Charts show clear trends across the relevant time horizon.
* Period toggles work as expected and do not confuse the interpretation.
* The dashboard does not depend on time shift formulas that the engine does not support.
* Stakeholders can answer questions like "how have we moved over the last three years" in a few seconds.

## Troubleshooting

<details>

<summary>Charts look noisy at monthly level</summary>

Switch to quarterly or annual aggregation for the dashboard, and keep monthly detail in a separate, more technical view.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Users misinterpret charts when changing periods</summary>

Add clear labels and titles that mention whether the view is monthly, quarterly or annual.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Too many charts for one page</summary>

Split the dashboard into themed sections, for example Revenue and Margin, Cash and Funding, and Operational Metrics.

</details>

## Related guides

* [Multi-Program Consolidated Reporting](/use-cases/not-for-profit-and-education/multi-program-consolidated-reporting.md)
* [Cash Priority Rules](/help/financial-outputs-and-valuation/cash-priority-rules.md)
* [Cash Waterfall Overview](/help/financial-outputs-and-valuation/cash-waterfall-overview.md)
* [Editing Bounds](/syntax/how-input-fields-work/editing-bounds.md)


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