How to use Auto Representation for Dynamic Number Formatting in Bold BI

Overview

Bold BI provides a way to display numbers in dynamic shorthand notation such as:

• K → Thousands
• M → Millions
• B → Billions
  In dashboards with large numeric values, displaying numbers in full (e.g., 2,450,000 or 2,908,778,905) can reduce readability.
  This can be achieved using the Auto Representation option, which automatically scales numeric values based on their magnitude. As a result, thousands are displayed as K, millions as M, and billions as B, improving readability without requiring manual formatting changes.

Expected Output

By default:

• The Representation setting allows only a fixed shorthand format (e.g., all values displayed in Millions).
• This may not be suitable for datasets with mixed value ranges.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Open Dashboard Designer

• Open the required dashboard in edit mode.
  
  

Step 2: Select the Measure to Format

• Select a widget (e.g., chart, KPI, grid) and click on the widget’s settings icon
  
  
• Locate the measure column that contains the values you want to format (for example, Revenue, Sales Amount, Profit, or Visitors).
• Click the format/settings icon associated with the measure.
  
  

Step 3: Open Number Formatting Options

• In the Measure Formatting dialog, select an appropriate format type such as Number or Currency (if applicable) based on your reporting requirements.
  
  

Step 4: Enable Auto Representation

• Under the measure formatting settings, locate the Representation option and select Auto. The system automatically determines the most appropriate shorthand format based on the value magnitude.
  
  

Step 5: Apply Changes

• Click OK to apply the changes.
  
  
• Preview the widget.
  
  

Expected Result

After enabling Auto Representation:

• Values are automatically displayed using K (Thousands), M (Millions), or B (Billions).
• The representation changes dynamically based on the value magnitude.
• Large numbers are easier to read and compare across widgets.
• Manual switching between fixed representations is no longer required.

Best Practices

Use Auto Representation when:

• Data contains values that span thousands, millions, and billions.
• Readability is a priority.
• Numbers should automatically adjust their display format.

Use Fixed Representation when:

• Consistent unit display is required for comparison.
• All values must be shown using the same scale (for example, Millions only).

Related Articles

• Visualizing Data - Formatting Measure Type Column
• Editing a Dashboard