# Units & Display

This article explains **Units and Display** settings for variables in Model Reef.

You will learn:

* How unit choices affect how values are shown.
* How display scaling works.
* How to use units to make outputs clearer without changing calculations.

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### Nature of the unit

Each variable has an implicit or explicit unit, such as:

* Currency (for example GBP, USD, EUR).
* Quantity (units, hours, kilograms, square metres).
* Percentage.
* Index or score.

The nature of the unit is mainly for human interpretation, but it also guides some validation and display defaults.
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### Display scale

You can adjust display scale without altering stored values, for example:

* Show currency in whole units.
* Show currency in thousands.
* Show currency in millions.
* Show percentages as whole percent values.

Display scale applies to:

* Grids in the Variable Editor.
* Many dashboards and charts.
* Some report outputs, depending on settings.

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Changing display scale is safe — it does not change calculations, only how numbers are presented.
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### Setting units and display

You configure units and display properties in:

* The **Units and bounds panel** for a variable.
* Occasionally at a dashboard or report level for consistent presentation.

For example, you might:

* Set revenue variables to display in millions for board reports.
* Keep operational drivers in raw units for detailed analysis.
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### Consistency across the model

For clarity:

* Use the same unit and display scale for comparable variables.
* Avoid mixing scales within the same chart or table when possible.
* Document any unusual unit choice in notes, especially if it differs from the general convention.

Consistent units make it easier for reviewers to interpret the model quickly.
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### Units in formulas and charts

When building formulas or custom charts:

* Remember that all series are computed in their base units, regardless of display.
* Multiplications and divisions should make sense dimensionally (for example price times quantity).
* If a series is expressed as a percentage, ensure you use it correctly in formulas (whether as 0.2 or 20).

Model Reef does not automatically convert between unit types, so keep track of how you intend to use each series.
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***

## Related articles

* [Units & Bounds Panel](/syntax/understanding-the-interface/units-and-bounds-panel.md)
* [Cloning Scenarios](/syntax/scenario-syntax/cloning-scenarios.md)
* [Attachments](/help/permissions-and-collaboration/attachments.md)
* [Build a Multi Entity Group Model](/how-tos/core-modelling/build-a-multi-entity-group-model.md)


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