## What is a Cross-Tab object?

A Cross-Tab object is a grid that returns values based on the criteria you specify. Data is presented in compact rows and columns. This format makes it easy to compare data and identify trends. It is made up of three elements:

- rows
- columns
- summary fields.

- The rows in a Cross-Tab run horizontally (from side to side). In the example above, "Gloves" is a row.
- The columns in a Cross-Tab run vertically (up and down). In the example above, "USA" is a column.
- The summary fields are found at the intersection of rows and columns. The value found at each intersection represents a summary (sum, count, etc.) of those records that meet the row and the column criteria. In the example above, the value at the intersection of "Gloves" and "USA" is four, the number of gloves sold in the USA.

A Cross-Tab also includes several totals:

- At the end of each row is a total for that row. In the example above, this total represents a single product sold in all countries. At the end of the "Gloves" row is the value 8, the total number of gloves sold in all countries.
- At the bottom of each column is a total for that column. In the example above, this total represents all products sold in a single country. The value at the bottom of the "USA" column is four, the total number of products (gloves, belts and shoes) sold in the USA.
- At the intersection of the Totals column (totals for the products) and the Totals row (totals for the countries) is a grand total. In the example above, the value at the intersection of the Total Column and Total Row is 12, the total number of all products sold in all countries.

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