Subtotali

Subtotali are partial sums that summarize a subset of data within a larger dataset or total. They show the contribution of each category, time period, or group before the overall total is calculated.

In spreadsheets, databases, and reporting tools, subtotali are commonly created by grouping data and summing values for each group. For example, a table of sales by region can produce a regional subtotal and then a grand total. In Excel and Google Sheets, the SUBTOTAL function can compute sums, averages, counts, and other aggregates for a range, with options to ignore or include hidden rows. Pivot tables often display subtotals for each row or category.

In databases or data queries, subtotali are produced with aggregate functions such as SUM in combination with a GROUP BY clause, yielding a subtotal for each group defined by the grouping key.

Applications of subtotali include financial reporting, inventory analysis, and performance dashboards. They help analysts compare groups, identify outliers, and track changes over time while keeping a clear overall total.

Limitations and considerations: incorrect grouping can misstate totals; some tools treat hidden or filtered data differently when computing subtotals; the order of sorting or grouping can affect readability, but not the calculated sums themselves.

See also: subtotal in accounting, roll-up summaries, pivot tables, data aggregation.