Reference band

Reference bands depict a range of values rather than just a single point (as reference lines do). This is particularly useful when the data can vary within a certain expected range, such as target ranges for performance metrics.

Let's look at how to configure reference bands in Analytics+.

1. Position

Plot the reference band horizontally (start and end on the y-axis) or vertically (start and end on the x-axis).

Reference band position

2. Start

Configure the starting point from where to plot the reference band. It can start from 0, the average line, the minimum line, etc. You can also specify a custom starting point. Notice how the starting point of the reference band changes based on the selection.

Starting point for reference band

3. End

Similar to the Start property, you can set the end point of the reference band.

End point for reference band

Leverage the "Field" option to use storytelling tools like data-driven reference bands. Plot the start and end points for reference bands using input measures to visualize data over time, detect trends, and identify potential concerns. To plot data-driven reference bands, choose "Field" from the Start/End dropdowns and select the measures from the Value dropdown.

Data driven reference band

4. Measures

Choose the measure values to plot the reference band. Reference bands can also be plotted based on the variance.

Measure to plot reference band

5. Label

Display a label for the reference band. Display text, the end point value, or text along with the value.

• Name: The endpoint position is automatically used as the label name. You can specify a custom name if required.

• Offset: Specify the distance from the x-axis and y-axis to position the label.

Label customization

6. Placement

The reference band is generally plotted behind the chart. You can also plot it in front as shown.

Reference band placement

7. Color

You can customize the label, band and band border.

• Label: Set the text style to Regular, Semi bold or bold. You can also set the label color and font size.

• Line: Choose from solid, dotted and dashed styles for the border lines. You can set the width and color.

• Band: Customize the color of the reference band.

Additional customizations

Reference bands for time series data

When your dataset contains a time series, you can render reference bands for custom date ranges or the current week/month/year.

Select the Timeseries radio button as the Type option.

Reference bands for time series data