Setting up a new question formula

Within a question formula, operations are performed according to the rules of algebraic logic. Use parentheses to set off separate operations within a formula. Example

Before you begin

If you have not already opened the Model window and selected the model you want to work with, do so now. How?

To set up a new formula:

  1. With your cursor in any line in the model, enter =, right-click, and then click Save as Q Formula.
  2. Click [Add].
  3. In the Formula field, enter a brief name for the question formula. You can use [Copy] and [Prefill] for this purpose.
  4. Select questions, math operators, functions, or other question formulas from the Calculation Elements list to build a calculation in the formula text box.
  5. In addition to the functions available for regular formulas in Estimating, there are other functions developed specifically for working with question formulas in Model Estimating. To see a list of these functions, click here.
  6. When you finish setting up the calculation, click [OK] to save it as a question formula.
  7. Test the formula to make sure it works properly. How?

Tips:  

  • You can type ad hoc formulas directly into any field in the model or in the formula bar. To save the formula for use throughout the model, right-click, and then click Save as Q Formula.
  • After you set up your question formulas, you can print the Model Database report from the Database - Reports menu to check them. (In the Model Database Report Options window, Report Options tab, select Print Question Formulas.)
  • You can use question formulas to include or excludes lines in your model during takeoff. How?