Measures hold data - your numbers, dates, text and calculations.
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Measures are used to collect inputs from data entry or where uploaded data is stored, and where calculations are built. A measure can also be used to create a new dimension or be linked to an existing dimension - which allows data validation, or pivoting and viewing the measure just like a normal dimension. |
Measures basics
The measures for a table have their own (green) dimension. Measures have two basic functions:
- Data entry (blue default background) for collecting data such as numbers, percentages, text (either free format or linked to a dimension), hyperlinks and dates.
- Calculations (white default background) ranging from simple arithmetic to complex functions.
For each measure there are indicators for the measure data type, function and format.
Measures store data numbers, calculations, dates and text. To add or insert a new measure, start typing in the measure item, use 
(appears on hover), or the right click/context menu 
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Measure names can also be copy/pasted from another application.
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Measures can also be created (and updated) through an import.
Basic calculation measures
To build calculations, the logic is identical to a spreadsheet. The only difference is the measure names are used. Simply point and click, or start typing and leverage autocomplete, incorporating your formula as needed.
Leverage functions for more powerful calculation measures. The most common functions are listed here.
Working with the measures context menu
Right click on a measure to open the context menu.
From here you can work with your measures including setting the format, summarize and style, creating a new dimension or linking to an existing dimension.
Format measure
The format panel will recognize the measure's existing type (e.g. a number v text) and present the applicable options.
Default values are used to pre-populate the measure with a fixed value (that an be updated later) or value from another measure. They are very useful, especially for setting drivers or prepopulating for data entry.
Using measures linked to a dimension
By linking a measure to a dimension, a number of powerful capabilities unlock.
- The associated data entry around the measure will auto-dimensionalize (e.g. an employee's salary will dimension by cost center), for analysis and aggregation by linked dimension(s).
- Other measures can lookup the linked measure to perform calculations such as conditional logic (e.g. an employee's location may drive employer costs for benefits, taxes and other rates).
- Enforce consistent data entry by providing a dimension picklist.
Summarize measure
In the summarize panel define the method for summarizing the measure. As dimensions will automatically roll up through their hierarchies, this panel is only need for exceptions.
Style measure
A measure can be styled and its decimal precision selected using the style panel.
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