Setting up a new formula

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

To set up a new formula:

1. Open the Formula window in one of the following ways:

   • On the ribbon, from the Calculations group on the Data tab, click Formulas.
   • In classic view, click Database menu > Formulas > Formulas.

2. Click [Add].

   Tip: You can also add formulas "on the fly" from the Formula List when you open it from the Formula Tables or Item Tables window.

   1. Click to open the Formula List window.

   2. Click [Create Formula].

3. Complete the Formula and Unit of measure fields. You can use [Copy] and [Prefill] for this purpose.

4. Select variables, math operators, functions, and other formulas or formula tables from the lists to build the formula in the formula text box.

   As you build the formula, you can also:

   • Create variables that are not set up in the standard database. How?

   • Change existing variables. How?

   • Create formula tables that are not set up in the standard database. How?

5. (optional) Click to enter notes (up to 1,520 characters) about the formula. Use the notes to document what the formula does and how to use it.
6. When you finish setting up the formula, click [OK] to save it.
7. Test the formula to make sure it works properly. How?

Tip: After you set up your formulas, you can print the Formulas/Variables/Formula Tables report from the Reports tab > Database Reports group (or Reports menu in classic view) to check them.