How To Fix C4855 - A characteristic cannot be X and Y axis of the matrix at same time

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: C4 - CTMS_SYNTAX_CHECK

• Message number: 855

• Message text: A characteristic cannot be X and Y axis of the matrix at same time

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message C4855 - A characteristic cannot be X and Y axis of the matrix at same time ?

  The SAP error message C4855 indicates that a characteristic cannot be assigned to both the X and Y axes of a matrix at the same time in a report or analysis. This typically occurs in the context of SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or SAP BI (Business Intelligence) when creating queries or reports that involve cross-tabulations or matrix displays.
  Cause:
  The error arises because the system does not allow the same characteristic to be represented on both axes of a matrix. This is a design limitation to ensure clarity and avoid confusion in data representation. For example, if you are trying to analyze sales data by product and region, you cannot have "Product" on both the X and Y axes simultaneously.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to adjust your query or report design by ensuring that each characteristic is assigned to only one axis. Here are the steps you can take:
  
  
  Review the Query Design: Open the query in the Query Designer and check the characteristics assigned to the X and Y axes.
  
  
  Remove Duplicate Characteristics: Identify the characteristic that is causing the conflict and remove it from one of the axes. You can either:
  
  Move it to a different axis (if applicable).
  Use a different characteristic that provides the necessary analysis.
  
  
  
  Use Hierarchies or Filters: If you need to analyze the same characteristic in different contexts, consider using hierarchies or filters instead of placing the same characteristic on both axes.
  
  
  Test the Query: After making the changes, run the query again to ensure that the error is resolved and that the report displays the data as intended.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for more details on query design and matrix reports.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights and solutions from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  Training Resources: Consider SAP training resources or courses that cover query design and reporting in SAP BW/BI for a deeper understanding of best practices.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the C4855 error and create a functional matrix report in SAP.