# KPI Cards

This article explains how **KPI cards** work in Model Reef.

You will learn:

* What KPI cards display.
* How to configure their source values.
* How to use them alongside charts and tables.

KPI cards highlight key numbers that matter for quick decision making.

***

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### What KPI cards are

A KPI card is a compact visual element that shows:

* A single key metric value.
* Optionally a label and description.
* Sometimes a comparison or change indicator, depending on configuration.

Examples include:

* Current cash balance.
* Next twelve months EBITDA.
* NPV, IRR or money multiple.
* Peak funding requirement.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### KPI value sources

KPI cards can usually be configured from:

* Specific financial statement lines (for example Net Income, Closing Cash).
* Derived valuation metrics (for example NPV or IRR).
* Custom formula based KPIs that reference variables and drivers.
* Aggregated values over a period window (for example sum or last value, depending on context).

You pick the source from a drop down or configuration panel.
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### Period and scenario context

The value shown on a KPI card respects:

* The active **period selection** (for example a particular year or a rolling window).
* The active **scenario**, that is, the model you are viewing.

If you change the period or load a different scenario model, KPI cards recalculate accordingly.
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{% step %}

### Using KPI cards effectively

To use KPI cards well:

* Limit them to the most important metrics for the audience.
* Group related KPIs together, such as profitability metrics, cash metrics and valuation metrics.
* Keep labels clear and consistent across dashboards and scenarios.
* Use them as entry points to more detailed charts and reports where appropriate.

This makes dashboards scannable while still connected to deeper detail.
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{% step %}

### Reviewing and validating KPI cards

After configuring a KPI card:

* Check that its value matches the underlying reports or charts you expect.
* Confirm that period and scenario start and end dates match your intended view.
* Update the description or notes if the KPI definition is non standard.

Good KPI discipline maintains trust in dashboard level summaries.
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***

## Related articles

* [Common Size Mode](/syntax/chart-and-table-syntax/common-size-mode.md)
* [Data Library Viewer](/syntax/understanding-the-interface/data-library-viewer.md)
* [Date Column Detection](/help/importing-and-data-inputs/date-column-detection.md)
* [Build a KPI Dashboard](/how-tos/dashboards-and-reporting/build-a-kpi-dashboard.md)


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