12.2. Use Cases for Parameters

In this lesson, we will discuss some common scenarios where parameters can be useful. As you go through these examples, think about your own use cases as well.

Learning Objectives

Understand the benefits and use cases of parameters in Looker Studio.
Learn how to incorporate user-provided goals and targets into reports using parameters.
Explore the use of parameters for custom calculations, forecasting, and projections.
Discover how parameters can enable dynamic metrics and dimensions in charts.
Gain awareness of how parameters can be used for dynamic queries with BigQuery.

User-Provided Goals and Targets

Before parameters were introduced, setting goals and targets for reports was a more complicated process. It often required meetings with clients and manually hardcoding their goals and targets into the reports. However, parameters have made this process more efficient.

Now, clients can provide their goals and targets directly through a control on the page. This allows them to change their input values at any time without needing to manually adjust the report.

Custom Calculations with User-Provided Values

Many businesses have unique ways of calculating their KPIs and other important metrics. Some of the input for these calculations may be hardcoded or come from live data sources, while other values might be provided by the user at the time of viewing the report. By incorporating parameters into custom fields, users can easily input their values to perform these calculations.

Forecasting and Projections

Parameters can also be used to create mini tools that help users forecast different scenarios. By entering different input values, clients can explore "what if" situations and make projections based on various scenarios.

Dynamic Metrics and Dimensions in Charts

Parameters can be used to allow users to change the dimensions and metrics applied to charts. This functionality goes beyond optional metrics and provides users with greater flexibility when interacting with their data.

Custom and Connected Calculators

By using parameters, Looker Studio allows you to easily connect to various data sources, apply custom functions, and get user input to generate outputs in various formats. This powerful feature eliminates the need for coding and provides an efficient way to create custom tools.

Dynamic Queries with BigQuery

For those using BigQuery, parameters can be used to create dynamic queries against your dataset. Although we won't dive deep into this topic in this lesson, it's important to know that this functionality is available when working with BigQuery and Looker Studio.

To better understand these concepts and see examples, explore resources such as the Looker Studio documentation and community forums.