# Reconcile two reports that show different numbers

Pinpoints why two dashboards or reports disagree on the same metric and gives a fix plus a short explanation for stakeholders.

- Topic: Data & Analysis
- Framework: Few-Shot
- Level: Standard
- Tags: Fill-in Template, Step-by-step
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/reconcile-two-reports-that-show-different-numbers

## Prompt

```text
Help me reconcile two reports that show different numbers for what should be the same metric.

**Metric:** [e.g. "March revenue", "active customers", "signups"]
**Report A:** [tool/source, the number, and how it is calculated - PASTE SQL, DAX, or logic if you have it]
**Report B:** [same details]
**Size of the gap:** [absolute and %]
**Who noticed and why it matters:** [e.g. "CFO asked before board meeting"]

Check these common causes systematically and tell me which ones fit:
- Definitions: gross vs. net, bookings vs. recognized, included/excluded statuses (refunds, tests, internal accounts, trials).
- Time: timezone, date field used (created vs. closed vs. paid), period boundaries, late-arriving data, snapshot vs. live.
- Population and filters: different segments, deleted or merged records, default filters in the BI tool.
- Joins: fan-out duplicates, inner vs. left joins dropping rows, many-to-many relationships.
- Currency, rounding, and aggregation level (average of averages, distinct counts across groups).
- Refresh timing and source system differences.

Then:
1. Propose a step-by-step reconciliation: start from a common base and add each difference until the numbers match, with the query logic for each step.
2. Build a bridge: Report A number -> each difference -> Report B number.
3. Recommend which number is "right" for which use, or which definition should become the standard.

Return the cause checklist, the reconciliation steps, the bridge table (with [ADD] where I need to supply numbers), and a short plain-English explanation for the stakeholder. Do not invent figures.
```

## What to fill in

- e.g. "March revenue", "active customers", "signups"
- same details
- absolute and %
- e.g. "CFO asked before board meeting"
- ADD

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