Here is how to build a Summary Report in the Lightning report builder. The same idea applies in Salesforce Classic, with slightly different menu wording.
- Create a new report and pick a report type
From the Reports tab, click New Report. Choose the report type that exposes the object and fields you want, for example Opportunities. The report type decides which fields are available, so pick it carefully.
- Add a grouping to switch into Summary format
In the builder, drag a field such as Stage or Owner into the Group Rows zone, or use the column menu and choose Group by this Field. Adding the first grouping turns a Tabular report into a Summary report automatically.
- Summarize one or more numeric columns
Open the menu next to a number field like Amount and choose Summarize, then select Sum, Average, Max, or Min. The subtotal appears under each group and as a grand total at the bottom.
- Add a chart and run the report
Click Add Chart to visualize the grouped subtotals, adjust the chart type, then click Run. Save the report into a folder so it can feed a dashboard later.
The template that defines which object and related fields the report can use. Chosen first and not changeable afterward.
At least one row grouping is what makes the report a Summary. Without a grouping it stays Tabular.
A numeric column with a Sum, Average, Max, or Min applied, so the report produces subtotals and a grand total.
- A Summary Report with zero groupings looks and behaves like a Tabular report. The grouping is what defines the format.
- You can nest at most three row groupings. If you need more breakdowns, consider a Matrix report or splitting the report.
- Custom summary formulas run on summarized data, not on each row, so they cannot reference raw field values the way row-level formulas do.