Dynamic Cross Tab (Live Query for Google BigQuery)
The Dynamic Cross Tab tool pivots data in Live Query for Google BigQuery. It performs the same core function as the Cloud Native Cross Tab tool but generates pivot columns dynamically from dataset metadata.
Use this page alongside the main Cross Tab Tool documentation for general configuration guidance.
How the Tool Differs From the Cloud Native Cross Tab
Dynamic Cross Tab automatically generates new pivot columns based on distinct values detected in the selected pivot field.
In the Cloud Native Cross Tab tool, you must explictly define pivot values in the New Column Names field. Because Cloud Native operates on sampled data, it doesn't automatically derive the complete set of pivot values.
In Live Query, the tool runs against the full BigQuery dataset. The tool dynamically derives pivot columns directly from dataset metadata, rather than being manually specified.
Configuration
The configuration is similar to the Cloud Native Cross Tab tool, with 1 key difference: there is no New Column Names field.
Create New Column From: Select the column whose values become new column headings.
Populate With Values From: Select the column to aggregate.
Output Method: Select the aggregation method (for example, Sum, Average, or Concatenate).
Columns to Group By (Optional): Select columns that define row-level grouping.
Metadata Behavior
Because the tool runs in Live Query:
New pivot values result in new output columns.
Renamed pivot values update automatically.
Removed values are no longer included.
This reduces workflow maintenance in environments where source data changes frequently.
Note that metadata changes aren't automatically propagated to downstream Cross Tab tools placed after the initial tool.
Limitations
These limitations apply:
You can’t pivot Date, DateTime, or Float data types.
You can’t pivot…
Cells that contain unsupported characters.
Values longer than 300 characters.
Cells with duplicate values.
Maximum number of pivoted columns is 999.
The Use First and Use Last output methods for String columns aren’t available.
Adjust upstream data if your dataset exceeds these constraints.