> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.analytics-docs.laplacetec.com/guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.analytics-docs.laplacetec.com/guide/en/customdashboard/custom/chart/calendar.md).

# Calendar chart

{% hint style="info" %}
This chart places values on a calendar grid so you can see at a glance **when things go well and when they dip**. Because it shows the rhythm of time, weekdays, weeks and months, it's great for finding patterns a line chart can hide, such as "it drops only on weekends" or "it peaks at the start of every month".
{% endhint %}

## How to use <a href="#guide" id="guide"></a>

Once you've set the data source, dimensions and data filters on the Data tab, click **Calendar** in the type grid on the **Chart** tab of the settings panel on the right.

### The date unit decides what one cell is <a href="#freq" id="freq"></a>

A calendar chart **follows the date unit (day/week/month/quarter/year) as is.** You can change the date unit under **Frequency** in the date bar above the chart. There's no need to choose the cell size or the range of each panel (the calendar drawn on one screen) separately. Change just the date unit and the rest follows.

| Date unit | One cell    | One panel         | Previous-period comparison |
| --------- | ----------- | ----------------- | -------------------------- |
| Day       | One day     | One month         | Same weekday last week     |
| Week      | One week    | One month         | Last week                  |
| Month     | One month   | One year          | Same month last year       |
| Quarter   | One quarter | Entire date range | Same quarter last year     |
| Year      | One year    | Entire date range | Last year                  |

{% hint style="info" %}
**Minute/hour units and cumulative aren't used in calendar charts.** If you choose a calendar chart while one of these is set, it's drawn by **day**.

With the **year unit**, cells line up in a single row, so you don't get a calendar shape. It still draws, but a column chart is more accurate for year-over-year comparison. The chart shows a notice about this along with a button to switch.
{% endhint %}

## **Chart** tab settings <a href="#chartsettings" id="chartsettings"></a>

### **Primary measure** <a href="#primary" id="primary"></a>

The measure that sets each cell's **color and large number**. The larger the value, the darker the cell.

### **Secondary measure (optional)** <a href="#secondary" id="secondary"></a>

A second measure shown in small type at the bottom of each cell. If you don't need it, leave it set to **None**.

* For example, view revenue as color while also checking the number of payments.
* The secondary measure doesn't affect color. Color is always based on the primary measure.

### **Calendar week starts on** <a href="#startweekday" id="startweekday"></a>

Choose whether the **first column** of the calendar grid is Sunday or Monday.

{% hint style="warning" %}
This setting changes **only the grid layout**. It doesn't change how weeks are aggregated, weekly aggregation always starts on Monday. That's why this setting appears only when you view by **day**.
{% endhint %}

### **Show totals** <a href="#showtotals" id="showtotals"></a>

On by default. When on, **monthly and weekly totals** are shown; when off, both disappear and only the grid remains. Turn it off when you want fewer numbers and just the pattern.

### **Scale colors within each month** <a href="#rescale" id="rescale"></a>

On by default, and appears only when you view by **day**.

* **On**: Colors show which days are large within the month you're viewing. The color scale is reset for each month.
* **Off**: One color scale is used for the entire date range. You can compare colors across months, but if one month is unusually large, the other months turn pale and may look as if they have no values.

## Comparison period <a href="#pop" id="pop"></a>

Choose a comparison period under **Compare** in the date bar above the chart, and each cell shows an increase/decrease mark (▲▼). The comparison target follows the **Previous-period comparison** column in the table above. For example, by day it compares with the **same weekday last week**. For commerce, where sales differ by weekday, this comparison is a better fit than "yesterday".

Each cell shows just one short change value; **full details appear in the tooltip when you hover over the cell**.

## Ask your dedicated manager <a href="#contact" id="contact"></a>

Having trouble using the custom dashboard?

Contact us through the inquiry page or by email below. Your manager will be happy to help.

> 💬 [Contact us on our website](https://www.analytics.laplacetec.com/contact)

**Email:** [**product@laplacetec.com**](mailto:product@laplacetec.com)