# Measures, dimensions, date columns A Business View consists of multiple columns, each falling into one of three distinct categories: * Measures * Dimensions * Date columns Each column type comes with its unique set of attributes that define how they can be used. Understanding these three types of columns is key to effectively building charts and applying filters in Vizpads.

Columns in a Business View

### Measures Measures refer to numerical data designed for quantitative analysis. They can be manipulated through mathematical operations, aggregations (average, sum, finding min-max), and calculations. Example: *Sales* column, where one can calculate totals or average values. In Tellius, measures are denoted in green with a hash symbol. ### **Dimensions** Dimensions, in contrast, are qualitative attributes used for segmenting and categorizing your data. They represent categories or descriptors and are unsuitable for mathematical aggregations (such as sum or average). They are essential for slicing data into meaningful segments and providing context to the measures. Examples: *Region, Employee, and Location*. Dimensions are represented in black color with an *"a"* symbol. ### Date Columns Date columns are specifically designated for time-related data. They represent time periods and are essential for temporal segmentation (tracking changes over time), like trend analysis, forecasting, or comparing data across different time periods. Sorting and filtering of data based on specific time frames is applicable (such as days, months, years, or custom-defined periods). Examples: *Order\_Date, Ship\_Date.* Date columns are represented in orange color with a timer symbol. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://help.tellius.com/tellius-6.3/vizpads-explore/measures-dimensions-date-columns.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.