A Cross-Tab object is a grid that returns values
based on the criteria you specify. Data is presented in a compact format, which
makes it easier to compare data and identify trends.
A standard report grouped by region and by product
will provide information on quantities of a product for each region, but the
data will be spread out and difficult to analyze, as in the following figure.

A Cross-Tab report displays the information in a
compact format, which makes it easier to see the results.


The cross-tab is made up of rows, columns, and
summary fields. The summary fields are the intersection of rows and columns.
Their values represent a summary (sum, count, and so on) of those records that
meet the row and the column criteria.
A Cross-Tab also includes several totals: row
totals, column totals, and grand totals. The grand total is the value at the
intersection of the row total and the column total.