# Metrics

## Overview

**Metrics** are Calculations which are independent of the [**Timings**](/models/home-tab/creating-a-model/timings.md) of a [**Model**](/models/home-tab.md). Whereas a [**Variable**](/variables/variable-basics.md) calculates a value for each period of the Model, a Metric calculates a single value.

> For instance, a Metric might be NPV (the [**Net Present Value**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Net_present_value) of all cashflows), or the number of customers at a specific point in time.

## The Metrics wizard

Metrics can be created and edited in the Metrics wizard, the steps of which are described below.

<figure><img src="/files/U04aodDjDBtEtTnBdsAq" alt="Screenshots showing the two pages in the Metrics wizard"><figcaption><p>The Metrics wizard</p></figcaption></figure>

### Setup

#### Name

Choose a name for your Metric. There are no restrictions to the name, as long as it is not blank.

#### Dimensions

Optionally choose any [**Dimensions**](/dimensions/introduction-to-dimensions.md) to apply to the Metric. While a Metric will only produce one value across all periods of the Model, it can have values across several child items (in the example above, the Metric produces one value per `Region`).

#### Number Format

Choose a [**Number Format**](/number-formats/number-formats.md) for the Metric.

#### Data Type

Choose a [**Data Type**](/data-types/data-types.md) for the Metric. Currently the `Validation` Data Type is not supported for Metrics.

#### Tags

Choose any additional [**Tags**](/tags/introduction-to-tags.md) to apply to your Metric for search purposes.

### Calculation

Create a [**Calculation**](/calculations/introduction-to-calculations.md) for your Metric using the same [**Formula Entry Bar**](/calculations/the-calculation-page/the-formula-entry-bar.md) used in the Variable dialog.&#x20;

You must make sure that any Variable or Period references in a Metric Calculation [**reference specific periods**](/calculations/calculation-parts/variable-references/referencing-time.md) of the Model. By default, they will reference all periods of the Model (from first period to last period).


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