Handling zero values on charts

The 'trim' function in charting allows you to address zero-values or missing data by either leaving a gap or omitting the data point, providing flexibility in chart presentation.

Trim options can be switched on/off in the Database settings:

Trim options

1. Right & Left: This option removes columns or data points with missing data or zero values from both the right and left sides of the chart, trimming the chart horizontally.

2. Columns: This option can remove entire columns from the chart that contain missing data or zero values.

3. Rows: This option likely removes entire rows from the chart that contain missing data or zero values.

4. Splits: If you have any splits added to your chart then this option can remove or hide specific data points with missing data or zero values within the splits.

5. Rows & Columns: This option simultaneously removes both rows and columns with missing data or zero values.

6. Trim Cells: This option removes individual cells from the chart based on your selected conditions, and can be used alongside the other trim options.

Begin by selecting a specific metric from the dropdown list, then add a condition for the trim using angle brackets (<>). For example, to remove all values below 20 select Vert% and type <20.

See the short video below for a demonstration of the use of Trim Cells:

Break line at zero for line charts/area charts

There are two strategies for displaying missing/zero values when they are inside a line or area chart:

1. The line breaks at zero value:

2. The line continues at zero value:

By default, DataTile uses the second option (line continues at zero value). If you want the line to break at zero value, go to the X-Axis section of the chart menu and tick the checkbox ‘Omit zeros’.