Understanding Data Regions

Data regions are report items that display repeated rows of data from underlying datasets. These rows can be displayed in a table, matrix, list, or chart.

Table

A table is a data region that presents data row by row. Table columns are static. Table rows expand downwards to accommodate the data. You can add groups to tables, which organize data by selected fields or expressions. For information about adding a table to a report using Report Designer, see Working with Table Data Regions.

Matrix

A matrix is also known as a crosstab. A matrix data region contains both columns and rows that expand to accommodate the data. A matrix can have dynamic columns and rows and static columns and rows. Columns or rows can contain other columns or rows, and can be used to group data. For information about adding a matrix to a report using Report Designer, see Working with Matrix Data Regions.

List

A list is a data region that presents data arranged in a freeform fashion. You can arrange report items to create a form with text boxes, images, and other data regions placed anywhere within the list. For information about adding a list to a report using Report Designer, see Working with List Data Regions.

Chart

A chart presents data graphically. Examples of charts include bar, pie, and line charts, but many more styles are supported. For information about adding a chart to a report using Report Designer, see Working with Chart Data Regions.

Nested Data Regions

You can nest data regions within other data regions. For example, if you want to create a sales record for each sales person in a database, you can create a list with text boxes and an image to display information about the employee, and then add table and chart data regions to show the employee's sales record.

See Also

Concepts

Report Design Basics
Working with Data Regions

Help and Information

Getting SQL Server 2005 Assistance