# Understanding the Node Components Nodes are the building blocks of the hierarchical tree/table model. In the tree view, just like a tree, there is a top node that branches out to multiple nodes. Each node represents a value driver or a KPI or a category name along with several performance metrics. In the table view, the nodes are presented in the form of a hierarchical table with total and individual period values, in which the levels can be expanded or collapsed. In this section, let's see about the components of a node in detail.

S. No.	Component	Description
1	Node Name	Every node is identified by its name which can be a value driver or a KPI or a category name.
2	Node Value	The primary value in the node is the baseline value which is the total of the node's baseline series. On a simulated node, this value represents the simulated value.
3	Absolute Variance	Absolute Variance is the difference between the Baseline Series and Comparison Series in absolute numbers. On a simulated node, it represents the difference between the Simulated Series and Comparison Series in absolute numbers.
4	Percentage Variance	Percentage Variance is the difference between the Baseline Series and Comparison Series in percentage. On a simulated node, it represents the difference between the Simulated Series and Comparison Series in percentage.
5	Sparkline Chart	A sparkline chart is available on each node which shows the trend. On simulation, the chart changes dynamically to show the new trendline as a solid line along with the old trendline as a dotted line.
6	Conditional Formatting	A color band is present at the top of the node which indicates favorable or unfavorable value or variance, if configured in the node settings window for that node.
7	Simulation-disabled icon	This symbol on a node indicates that the node is disabled for simulation and the node value can not be simulated. Note: To enable simulation for a node, go to the Simulate section of the Node Settings window and change the Simulation Method from None to any other method.

{% hint style="info" %} **Note:** **Baseline series** is the primary series on which the simulations are performed. **Comparison series** is the series against which the Baseline is compared. It is optional to have a comparison series while creating a scenario. {% endhint %} In the below image, there are two series available, Baseline and a Comparison. * Baseline and Comparison series can be a data series or any plan series that has been created by the user. * Simulations are done on the baseline series only. * You can have no comparison series, or you can have any existing series as a comparison series that you can pick from the dropdown.

## **Other Pop-up Features** Let us see some more features that pop-up when you hover your mouse over the nodes. There are three options available in the top right corner: [Focus Node](https://docs.valq.com/simulate/pages/mvRvAD7RkS13NSLAhFXT#9.-focus-node), [Add Note](https://docs.valq.com/simulate/pages/mvRvAD7RkS13NSLAhFXT#10.-add-note) and a three-dot dropdown menu. Within the menu we have Edit Node, [Add to KPIs](https://docs.valq.com/simulate/pages/mvRvAD7RkS13NSLAhFXT#2.-kpis) and [Add to Key Inputs](https://docs.valq.com/simulate/pages/mvRvAD7RkS13NSLAhFXT#1.-key-inputs) options.

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