Tabular, summary, and matrix report formats
Key Takeaway
Tabular reports have no grouping, summary reports group rows, and matrix reports group both rows and columns. In the Lightning report builder, the format updates automatically as you group data. In the Salesforce Classic report builder, you must choose the format before you group data.
A report format controls how a report's results are laid out on the page, while the report type sets which fields are available. Choosing a format comes down to whether the user needs a list, grouped totals, or an at-a-glance grid.
Tabular, summary, and matrix formats
Tabular, summary, and matrix are three of the four report formats. The fourth format, joined, uses report blocks that give different views of your data.
| Format | How results are laid out | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Tabular | No grouping. Like a spreadsheet: an ordered set of fields in columns, with each matching record in its own row. | A simple list, such as a mailing list or a list of all open opportunities |
| Summary | Like tabular, but you can also group rows, view subtotals, and create charts. | Grouped totals |
| Matrix | Records grouped by both rows and columns. | At-a-glance overviews, such as revenue totals or quantity of products sold |
Tabular, the default format, is the simplest and fastest way to look at data. Most reports end up in the summary format. Matrix reports take the most time to set up, but they give the most detailed view of your data.
For example, imagine a summary report that groups closed cases by Priority. The report shows how many cases were high, medium, or low priority.
For example, imagine a matrix report that groups opportunities by Close Month in the rows and by Type in the columns. The report is summarized by Sum of Amount. The grid shows revenue by type for each month.