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Glossary

Dimensions, Variables, and Formulas

Overview

This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to add, modify, and remove dimension breakdowns from variables in a data model. It further explores the application of formulas across dimensions, offering the ability to override and manage formulas for specific dimension items. Additionally, it covers techniques for sorting and filtering dimension data to enhance the organization and presentation.

Breaking Down a Variable by Dimensions

To add a dimension breakdown to a variable, hover over a variable and click Dimensions:

Shows the function to add a dimension breakdown to a variable using the 'Dimensions' button
Adding a dimension to a variable

If the variable already has a dimension breakdown, it will be coming:

  • From its connected data item(s) (if the dimension exists in the data)
  • From its formula (if the formula refers to a variable that has the dimension)
Shows the Dimensions button on a variable when a dimension breakdown has already been added
Variable that already has a dimension breakdown

What if I want to remove the dimension breakdown?

You can remove the dimension breakdown by clicking the - next to the dimension after clicking the Dimensions button. However, if the dimension is coming from data, or from the formula, follow the steps below:

  • If your variable is connected to data, and the dimension is coming from data, you can either aggregate the dimension in the advanced data options on the variable, or you can remove the dimension from the model (from the left sidebar), which will remove the breakdown from all variables that had that dimension.
  • If your variable is inheriting the dimension from its formula (e.g. if it refers to a dimensional variable), you can aggregate the dimension away in the dimension modifier.

You can also create new variables when viewing a dimension in the bottom-panel of the spreadsheet (once you open the dimension from the left-hand sidebar).

Click the + in the far-right column, and create a new dimensional variable by choosing its format from the drop-down (e.g. Currency, %).

Shows the dimension details in the bottom panel of a spreadsheet. Highlighted is the + icon and the menu to add a new variable.
Addin new variable from the bottom panel

Dimension Breakdowns and Variable Formulas

When a variable is broken down by a dimension, and you set a formula at the top (aggregate) row, it will be automatically applied in the same way across all dimension items. This is powerful as it means you only have to set the formula once.

Shows a variable with the formula specified only once in the top row (in green)
Formula in the top row

If, however, you wish to set a different formula/value for certain dimension items, simply edit the formula for that particular row/cell. These edits will show up as an Override, and you can easily reset the override (back to the default formula), by clicking Reset override or Reset row.

Shows the 'Reset row' function that appears when you hover over a field in a category item row
Resetting a row

If you do not have a top (aggregate) row formula or value, then you have no "default", so different formulas or values for dimension item rows or cells are not considered Overrides.

FAQ regarding the Override function

  • Question: What if I have 2+ dimensions on a variable (e.g. Country and then Product), and then override for one of the Countries(e.g. New Zealand).

    Answer: All the Products under New Zealand will now take their formula from the override for New Zealand (not the top-level/aggregate row of the variable).

  • Question: How do I override an entire dimension item row?

    Answer: Either edit the formula in the formula column (which sets the formula for all months or time steps), or override a cell and then drag/fill-right that formula to all other cells in the row.

  • Question: Are different formulas/values in specific time step columns of the top-level/aggregate row of the variable considered overrides?

    Answer: No, this just serves as a different formula for that time step.

  • Question: Can you override data?

    Answer: No, data always takes precedence whenever it is present. It cannot be overridden.

Re-Ordering Dimensions on a Variable

You can easily drag to reorder the dimension breakdown on a variable.

For example, if you have a variable broken down by Department and then Region, you can swap the order around so it is Region and then Department instead. This will not change any calculations, it will just change the dimension ordering that you see when you expand the variable.

Shows the section in front of a dimension item that is used to drag the dimension item on a new position
Drag to change the order

Variable Modifiers: Dimensions

Dimension modifiers allow you to slice and dice variables within formulas, using the related dimensions and dimension items. You can:

  • Group by linked dimensions
  • Filter by dimension items
  • Aggregate away dimensions

For a deep-dive, see: Dimension modifiers.

Referencing Dimension Items Within Formulas

You can use your model's dimensions and dimension items in formulas as follows:

  • You can access the number of dimension items by clicking on the three dots menu and selecting Size:
Shows the three-dot menu on a dimension name that is used to display the number of dimension items
Displaying the number of dimension Items
  • You can also use dimensions in if-statements (e.g. to dynamically define a variable's dimensional values without requiring a formula for each dimension item).
Shows a dimension used in an if-statement
Dimensions in IF Statements

Sorting and Filtering Dimensions in the Bottom Panel

You can also dynamically filter and sort dimensions in the bottom panel (after opening the dimension from the overview on the left).

You can sort either by clicking Sort Filter, or from the column header directly. If you sort the dimension items, you have the option to save the order, in which case it is applied to any variables in the models that have that dimension applied.

Shows the Sort and Filter functions on the top left of a dimension detail view
Sort and Filter dimension items

Sorting by Dimension Item Value on a Variable

You can also sort by dimension item value on a variable in the spreadsheet. For instance, if you have Spend broken down by Vendor, you can quickly sort the Spend variable so the breakdown is from biggest to smallest vendor.

Choose to sort based off the values for the Entire Model Period, or just the Last Actual Date, and choose Descending or Ascending order ( Descending is the default).

Shows the options to sort by dimension item value on a variable in the spreadsheet that appears when you click on 'More options'
Sort dimension items

Find this setting in the edit menu on a variable.

To remove the sort, just click the x next to Entire model period/Last actual date.

Note that we use the Time Aggregation setting to determine how values are summed up for the entire model period. The default is Sum, but if you have set a Time aggregation setting of Final, for example, we will sort using only the final value in the entire model period.

Last updated on Aug 16, 2023

Table of Contents
Dimensions, Variables, and FormulasOverviewBreaking Down a Variable by DimensionsDimension Breakdowns and Variable FormulasRe-Ordering Dimensions on a VariableVariable Modifiers: DimensionsReferencing Dimension Items Within FormulasSorting and Filtering Dimensions in the Bottom PanelSorting by Dimension Item Value on a Variable
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