# Insert Formula columns

In Plan, you can insert calculated columns or measures directly into your planning sheets. These can be formatted, rearranged, and reused in subsequent calculations. These measures and columns are created directly on the visual, without modifying the underlying data model.

The Excel-like formula engine supports over 50 functions, including logical, boolean, and mathematical functions. The formula editor provides capabilities such as syntax assistance, examples, autocomplete, and multiline editing to help you create and troubleshoot formulas efficiently.

In this article, you learn how to insert formula measures and columns and use the formula editor to build the required calculations.

{% hint style="info" %}
For more information, see [Formula syntax](/planning-sheets/formula-syntax.md) for a detailed list of supported functions, operators, and identifiers.
{% endhint %}

### Insert a formula measure

In this example, consider sales data for two years (2024 and 2025) by quarter. You'll create a measure to calculate percentage variance using the formula: *(2025 Actuals - 2024 Actuals) / 2024 Actuals.*

To insert a formula measure:

1. Go to **Planning** > **Insert Column** and select **Formula**.

<figure><img src="/files/GddArOmvzV5SFxvg734R" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. In the **Formula Measure** side panel:

   * Enter a **Title**.
   * In **Insert as**, select **Visual Measure** (default).&#x20;

   You can also choose **Visual Column** to add a column at the end of the table, outside of the column hierarchy.&#x20;
3. Enter the formula in the editor and select **Create**.

<figure><img src="/files/PvhgWhXKyQ370M6B1JOE" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. To convert the values of the *Variance% m*easure to a percentage format, select the measure and then select the **%** icon on the **Planning** tab.

<figure><img src="/files/A0i2sjIPvQ5K1MpnYO9l" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When the *Variance%* measure is selected, the formula is displayed in the formula bar.&#x20;

### Working with the formula editor

* When you place the cursor in the editor, a context assistant appears with **Functions** and **References**.
* As you type, suggestions are filtered automatically.
* To reference measures or visual columns, use the **References** tab.
* To insert functions such as SUM, MIN, MAX, and AVERAGE, use the **Functions** tab.

<figure><img src="/files/pTEpM3XLPBrjW1sv5ZKk" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* You can also select columns directly from the visual after placing the cursor in the formula editor to insert references.

<figure><img src="/files/tFfAhEJUatxG4vN8Xs6q" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After creating the measure, you can format it (for example, as a percentage or currency) from the **Planning** tab.

### Configure formula measure properties

Configure the properties for formula measures in the same way as other data input measures. For more information, see [configure data input column properties](/planning-sheets/how-tos/adding-business-logic-and-formulae/measures-and-columns/insert-manual-input-columns.md#configure-data-input-column-properties).

To edit the properties or to hide or delete a formula column, use the [Manage measures](/planning-sheets/how-tos/adding-business-logic-and-formulae/measures-and-columns/insert-manual-input-columns/insert-manual-input-columns.md#modify-column-properties) menu.

{% hint style="info" %}

#### Note

If the report does not contain a column hierarchy, the **Insert as** **Measure** option behaves like inserting a visual column by default, even if **Visual Measure** is selected.
{% endhint %}

### Handle calculation errors

You may encounter errors such as division by zero. You can handle these in the following ways:

#### Use appearance settings

* Go to **Format** > **Appearance** > **Numbers**.
* Enable **Suppress calculation errors**.
* Provide a custom value (for example, 0 or N.A.)

#### Use functions in formulas

* Use **IFNA**, **IF**, or nested IF statements to handle conditions explicitly and replace error values.

### Aggregation for formula measures

By default, **Row aggregation** is set to *Formula* and **Column aggregation** is set to *Sum.*

You can modify aggregation settings from the **Manage aggregation** interface. For more information, see [manage aggregation](/planning-sheets/how-tos/adding-business-logic-and-formulae/manage-aggregation.md).

<figure><img src="/files/7bW9tGVjkNobWjKWRb30" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}

#### Note

If you select **Weighted average** as the row aggregation, the column aggregation is also set to weighted average and cannot be changed.
{% endhint %}


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