ExpressView Formula Columns

Owned by Enoch Poston
Last updated: Mar 10, 2023 by Mary Gerard (Unlicensed)
2 min read

Note: Formula columns are available beginning with version 2018.1.

Formulas can be used to create custom data columns in ExpressViews. Formulas are calculated once per each row, based on the other data values in that row. For each row calculation, a formula value is returned for that row, which populate a new column of data. You can use these columns just like any others - format the data, add to a visualization, or group based on formula columns. They are treated the same as data columns.

To add a formula column to an ExpressView, click the Choose Data MainLeftPaneDataFieldsSelected.png icon to open the Data Pane, then click + Add Formula. A blank column will be added to the ExpressView, and the Formula Builder will open.

In the right pane, the Formula tab of the Selected Cell SelectedCellMenu.png page shows the available built-in functions and parameters. Hover over a function to see its description and an example of how to use it. To add a function or parameter to the formula, drag it from the Formula page to the Formula Builder window, type its name into the Formula Builder, or double-click the name of the function while the formula editor dialog is open. You can use the Search field in the to filter the functions by name.

formulaeditor.png

Formula editor dialog

To add a data field to the formula, drag it from the Data Pane to the Formula Builder window, type its name into the Formula Builder, or double-click the field name while the formula editor dialog is open.

Note: Double-clicking the field names will place the fields wherever the cursor is in the formula editor at that time. Double-clicking enabled in v2018.2 and later.

Tip
To use a data field, function, or parameter as a function argument, drag it to the argument placeholder until the placeholder turns blue. Or click the placeholder and type the name of the desired argument.

screen.expressview_drag_field_to_formula.png

Dragging a field to a function argument

Typing in the Formula Builder shows a list of functions, parameters, and data fields that match the text. Click on an item, or use the up and down arrow keys, to highlight an item and see its description. To add the selected item to the formula, press the Enter key.

When you are finished, click the Apply Changes custom.FormulaCheckmark.png icon to save the formula.

To edit an existing formula column, click Selected Cell SelectedCellMenu.png, open the Formula tab, then click the column to reopen the Formula Builder.

See Formulas for more details on building formulas.