The Formula Entry Bar

How to create Calculations in the Formula Entry Bar

Overview

GIF showing a user entering a calculation into the Formula Entry bar. As the user types, a dropdown appears with the names of Variables and other items to choose from.
Formula Entry Bar example

The Formula Entry Bar in the Calculations step of the Variable dialog is the fastest way to create Calculations, by typing in a formula, similarly to how you would in Excel.

Autocomplete Dropdown

On typing any text in the Formula Entry Bar, an autocomplete dropdown will appear, as in the examples below:

Dropdown example
Details

Typed in "Peri" Brings up options for:

Typed in "Month" Brings up options for:

  • Adding a reference to two existing Variables

  • Adding a reference to a new Variable named Month

  • Adding a Function (either EOMONTH or MONTH)

  • Adding a new Lambda function named Month()

Autocomplete options can be selected in any one of three ways:

  1. Press Tab to select the first option in the list

  2. Click on an option with the Mouse

  3. Press Down (arrow key) to navigate through the list, and then press Enter to select an item

Full list of Autocomplete option types

Symbol
Type
Details

Variable Reference

Creates a reference to an existing Variable

Reference to New Variable

Opens a wizard to create a new Variable; Adds a reference to the new Variable once created

Period Reference

Creates a reference to a Period of the Model (a date value)

Function

Adds a (supported) Function name and opening bracket

Lambda function

Adds a reference to an existing LAMBDA function

New Lambda function

Opens a wizard to create a new LAMBDA function, and then creates a reference to it

New Argument

Applies to LET and LAMBDA functions. Creates a new argument which can be referenced in subsequent sections of the function.

Argument Reference

Applies to LET and LAMBDA functions. References a previously defined argument.

Referencing a new Variable

The Taglo interface allows you to create and reference a new Variable from within another Variable's calculation, without having to leave the Variable that you are currently editing.

This means you can stay within your current train of thought at all times.

To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Start typing a name for your new Variable in the Formula Entry Bar

  2. Select the new Variable () autocomplete item in the dropdown

  3. A new dialog will open - edit your new Variable here

  4. Click Finish in the new dialog - a reference to your new Variable will be created in the formula

Entering Text

To enter text strings, type your text into the Formula Bar using a " character (double quotes) to indicate the start and end of the string. When you enter the second ", a Text Calculation Part will be created.

Entering Numbers

To enter numbers, type the number directly into the Formula Bar. Any numbers typed in will automatically be interpreted as a number.

Generally, it is not advisable to hardcode numbers into Calculations. Try to create Variables for these numbers instead.

There are exceptions to this rule such as the hardcoded 1 in inflation formulas like Cost = Cost[-1] * (1 + Inflation)

If you have a Variable name which starts as a number, this means you may not find it easy to add from the autocomplete dropdown, in which case you can use the Add Variable Reference button which can be found at the end of the list of Calculation Parts.

PreviousThe Calculation PageNextUnit Analysis

Last updated