How to Format Scorecard Comparisons in Looker Studio

If you're looking to showcase key metrics in a clear and concise way, formatting scorecard comparisons in Looker Studio is the way to go. Scorecards allow you to display key data points, like conversions, revenue, or user growth, and compare them against other metrics or a specific target value. In this guide, we'll walk through how to format the scorecard comparisons in Looker Studio effectively, so your insights stand out and your audience can quickly understand how you're performing over time.

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How to Format Scorecard Comparisons in Looker Studio:

1. Select the Scorecard

2. Under the "SET-UP" column, select the "Comparison date range". There are several options, but the most useful option is the comparison with the previous period.

   
   

3. Under the "Other Comparison Options", you can select value or metric

   
   

   • Select Value to compare with a fixed number. You can set a specific Target value, so the comparison will show the % of your metric's performance in comparison to your target. This is useful if you have an objective such a target number of sessions, users, purchases, etc.
     

   • Select Metric to compare with another metric. For example, you can compare new users vs. total users.
     

4. Navigate to "STYLE" column

5. Under Comparison fields, you can do various customizations:

   
   

   • Change the color of the comparisons' indicator

   • Adjust decimals

   • Show absolute (numerical) difference

   
   

Frequently Asked Questions on Scorecard Comparison Formatting in Looker Studio:

How do I set up period-over-period comparisons in a scorecard?

Setting up period comparisons is straightforward:

1. Select your scorecard

2. Go to the "SET-UP" column

3. Find "Comparison date range"

4. Choose your preferred comparison period (e.g., previous period)
   

Pro tip: The previous period comparison is most commonly used for tracking performance trends over time.

What's the difference between Value and Metric comparison options?

There are two distinct comparison options:

• Value Comparison:

  • Compares against a fixed target number

  • Ideal for measuring against specific goals

  • Example: Comparing current sales against a monthly target of 10,000
    

• Metric Comparison:

  • Compares against another metric in your data

  • Useful for relative performance analysis

  • Example: Comparing new users against total users
    

How can I customize the visual appearance of my scorecard comparisons?

You can customize various visual elements:

1. Navigate to the "STYLE" column

2. Under "Comparison fields," you can:

   • Modify comparison indicator colors

   • Adjust decimal places

   • Toggle absolute difference display

   • Format percentage displays
     

Note: All these settings can be adjusted without affecting the underlying data.

Can I set custom targets for different time periods in my scorecard?

Yes, you can manage targets flexibly:

1. Choose "Value" under "Other Comparison Options"

2. Enter your specific target number

3. The comparison will automatically show:

   • Percentage difference from target

   • Progress toward goal

   • Visual indicators of performance
     

Best Practice: Update your targets regularly to reflect changing business goals.

How do I display both percentage and numerical differences in my scorecard comparisons?

To show both types of differences:

1. Go to the "STYLE" column

2. Look under "Comparison fields"

3. Enable "Show absolute difference"

4. The scorecard will now display:

   • Percentage change

   • Actual numerical difference

   • Visual indicators for both metrics
     

Tip: This dual display is particularly useful for contexts where both relative and absolute changes are important to track.