Creating Formula Calculations

Prospero allows you to construct calculations in the Formula field in Line and Column Definitions. These calculations allow you to define the values that appear on your reports or to return specific values using the data returned in any number of line or column fields.

 

Constructing calculations in the Column and Line Definition Formula fields allows you to use simple numeric equations, calculations using operators referencing specific Line or Column Definition’s Codes, or referencing cells (i.e. specific row and column coordinates) to construct your calculations. When referencing cells, you are referencing the Code coordinates located on your Line and Column Definitions, which then correspond to a specific location on your report. For more information, refer to Cell-level Calculations.  

 

Remember, unless you are simply constructing a numeric equation, you must have a value assigned in the Code field in order to reference that “label” in the formula. For more information on the Code field see the sections Column Code and Line Code.

 

Calculation Shorthand Notations

Prospero calculations support shorthand notations for calculations run on the column or row that contains it. You can use this shorthand method only with numbers or subformulas consisting of numbers (i.e. no references to other rows or columns). The available operators include +, -, *, /, and ^.  For example:

 

To multiply a row with code ABC by 13, enter the formula as:  *13 

To divide a column with code BUD by 2, enter the formula as:  /2

 

Using Signs in Calculation Notations

Prospero calculations support signs on values in calculation notations. This is allowed on calculations in column or line fields. For example, for a formula:

 

(-[SCHOL])/[STFTE]

 

Where the value of [SCHOL] is -13, the calculation will process as follows:

 

(-(-13))/[STFTE]

 

Therefore, the calculation will result in -(-13) as 13.

 

Lastly, the Line Definition allows you to enter calculations to the Formula field using the Calculations window. The Calculations window is designed to assist you in creating complex multi-line or conditional calculations and you can drag and drop your calculations in the Calculations window in any order you require. (The Column Formula field requires that you enter the calculation directly in to the Formula field.)