> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.advertisingbeast.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.advertisingbeast.com/managing-advertising-accounts/modules/cross-module-components/data-tables/controllers-bar/comparison-controller.md).

# Comparison controller

The comparison controller is a tool that allows you to conduct period-over-period analysis within the data tables. It facilitates the addition of adjacent time periods for direct comparison, providing insights into trends and changes over time.

### Features and functionality

{% hint style="info" %}
Comparison controllers are only available for [metrics](/managing-advertising-accounts/modules/cross-module-components/data-tables/data.md#metrics).
{% endhint %}

By [initiating a comparison](#using-the-controller), you can add immediately adjacent time periods for comparison.

#### Additional controls

Upon [adding periods](#adding-more-periods), more control options appear, including '-' and 'x'. The ['-' controller](#removing-the-last-period) is used to remove the last added period, while the ['x' controller](#close-comparisons) closes the comparison entirely.

#### Visualization options

You have the option to [include a comparison percentage](#toggling-comparison-percentages) with the immediately adjacent period, enhancing the visualization and understanding of data trends. This option is enabled by default.

#### Period limitations

There is no limit to the number of periods a user can compare, as long as data for those periods is available. This allows for extensive historical analysis.

***

### Using the controller

To initiate a comparison click the '+' button located in the [controllers bar](/managing-advertising-accounts/modules/cross-module-components/data-tables/controllers-bar.md). This adds an immediately adjacent period for comparison.

#### **Adding more periods**

Continue clicking the '+' button to add additional periods as required, as long as data is available for those periods.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3974937538-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F7EjUsysKr4AEohIaumYn%2Fuploads%2FaCNcEJaj2NZ5bh39r4Uc%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=f7d4d045-6600-401a-9578-3f846208c27e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

#### **Removing the last period**

To remove the last added comparison period, click the '-' button.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3974937538-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F7EjUsysKr4AEohIaumYn%2Fuploads%2FHAuAay1pcEZHj3JtlE06%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=33983ddd-e913-4515-8d5f-e3ee80bf5b3b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

#### **Closing comparisons**

If you wish to end the period comparison, click the 'x' button.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3974937538-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F7EjUsysKr4AEohIaumYn%2Fuploads%2FwdICwBAneD92OO8rWXvK%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=918179d0-a55c-479d-9d28-c1d3d017b4f8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

#### **Toggling comparison percentages**

To view or hide comparison percentages with the immediately adjacent period, use the "show comparison percentages" toggle in the [actions bar](/managing-advertising-accounts/modules/cross-module-components/data-tables/actions-bar.md).

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3974937538-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F7EjUsysKr4AEohIaumYn%2Fuploads%2F6AGe9SHQ6XJoPCpA5sjG%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=ef9a654d-46ee-4555-8d0c-9a505646e63d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>