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Dimensions divide a model into useful groups. Two related terms describe that structure.

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Segmentation

A segmentation is the dimension, or combination of dimensions, used to break down a value. Examples:
  • Revenue by Department
  • Revenue by Region
  • Revenue by Department and Region
In the first example, Department is the segmentation.

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Segment

A segment is one specific position inside a segmentation. Examples:
  • Department = Sales
  • Region = West
  • Department = Sales and Region = West

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Why the distinction matters

A segmentation formula applies to a way of breaking down the model. A segment formula applies only to one or more specific dimension values. For example:
  • A Department segmentation formula can calculate Revenue for every department.
  • A Sales segment formula can override that calculation only for Sales.
  • The broader formula continues to apply to Engineering, Marketing, and other departments.

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Date is also a dimension

When a formula is calculated by month, quarter, or year, Date is part of its segmentation. This matters when a formula uses a Formula period such as Actuals or Forecast.

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Keep scope as broad as possible

Start with a default formula. Add segmentation or segment formulas only when the calculation genuinely needs to differ. This makes the model easier to understand and maintain.