Within a question formula, operations are performed according to the rules of algebraic logic. Use parentheses to set off separate operations within a formula. For an example, see Algebraic logic example.
Before you begin
If you have not already opened the Model window and selected the model you want to work with:
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On the Data menu, click Models.
The Database Model window opens.
- Click the list button (
) and then select the model you want to work with. - Click [OK].
When you click a line in an existing model, Estimating refreshes the current variables from the items and assemblies in the database. If it encounters any changes made to the database since you last loaded the model, it asks you if you would like to run Check Model.
To set up a new formula:
- With your cursor in any line in the model, enter =, right-click, and then click Save as Q Formula.
- Click [].
- In the Formula field, enter a brief name for the question formula. You can use [Copy] and [Prefill] for this purpose.
- Select questions, math operators, functions, or other question formulas from the Calculation Elements list to build a calculation in the formula text box.
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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.
For a list of these functions, see Format functions.
- When you finish setting up the calculation, click [] to save it as a question formula.
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Test the formula to make sure it works properly.
For more information, see Testing a question formula.
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 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. For more information, see Including or excluding lines for model takeoff.