Forum Discussion
Matrix row subtotals not working
Community SupportHi emmelielilja,
To resolve the row subtotal issue, first rebuild the matrix visual from scratch instead of copying the old one. Create a new matrix manually in Power BI Desktop, add the same fields one by one, and then configure the subtotals settings by navigating to the visual settings, selecting Subtotals, Per Row Level, and manually turning the subtotals ON or OFF as needed.
This ensures that the new visual picks up the updated matrix behavior aligned with the March 2025 version of Power BI. Second, check the visual formatting pane settings carefully. Expand the Subtotals section, then the Row Subtotals subsection, and make sure that "Per Row Level" subtotals are enabled.
Expand each field level individually and verify that subtotals are correctly turned ON or OFF for each field, since default settings sometimes apply subtotals incorrectly.
If possible, review your semantic model settings online. Check if any fields are set with default formatting or aggregation rules that could affect how subtotals behave in matrix visuals. However, even if you cannot modify the semantic model, properly rebuilding the matrix and adjusting the formatting settings as described should solve the subtotal issue.
Glad I could assist! If this answer helped resolve your issue, please mark it as Accept as Solution and give us Kudos to guide others facing the same concern.
Thank you.
Hi!
I have tried what you said many times. It seems like the matrix is treating my row headers as values. I have attached an image of the row subtotals settings. All row levels, except Month and Close Probability are OFF (I have removed Account Names and Owner Names for security, but otherwise it would be ON on Account Name and Name).Now, if I create a background color and apply this to labels, this happens.
These are the settings I have in my old versionAnd this is what happens:
- v-sgandrathi
Hi emmelielilja,
Thank you for sharing additional details and screenshots.Based on your follow-up, it seems that the behavior change is due to how Power BI's newer versions (March 2025 and later) handle matrix row headers and labels differently compared to older builds.
The matrix now treats certain row levels like values during formatting operations. This impacts both subtotal controls and label formatting.
To resolve this fully:
Ensure you have Stepped Layout turned ON in the matrix settings.
Double-check under Subtotals àPer Row Level and turn ON subtotals specifically for your key fields.
When applying background formatting, ensure you apply it to Rows and not to Values.
If needed, re-arrange fields order under Rows panel, sometimes moving them slightly resets the formatting logic.
If this solution worked for you, kindly mark it as Accept as Solution and feel free to give a Kudos, it would be much appreciated!
Thank you.- v-sgandrathi
Hi emmelielilja,
I wanted to follow up on our previous suggestions regarding the issue. We would love to hear back from you to ensure we can assist you further.
If our response has addressed your query, please accept it as a solution and give a ‘Kudos’ so other members can easily find it. Please let us know if there’s anything else we can do to help.
Thank you.
