# Extend Planning sheet with data input

Data input rows and columns enable authors to extend the Planning sheet by entering values directly within it. These inputs support planning, forecasting, and operational scenarios where certain values must be captured manually or adjusted within the sheet.

Using data input rows and columns, you can capture business inputs that aren't available in the underlying dataset or need manual adjustments while maintaining the report’s hierarchy, totals, and calculations.

### When to use data input rows and columns

Data input rows and columns are useful when you need to:

* Capture manual adjustments or planning values.
* Add business metrics that aren't available in the dataset.
* Insert placeholder rows for future categories or products.
* Allow business users to enter data directly in the Planning sheet.

For example, a financial report might retrieve revenue and expenses from a database but require manual entry for values such as shares outstanding or newly introduced product categories.

### Prerequisites

Before you create data input rows or columns, make sure that you have the following prerequisites in place:

* The Planning sheet is configured with the required dataset.
* You have **edit permissions** in the Planning sheet.
* The Planning sheet includes the **row or column hierarchy** where data input is to be added.

### Insert a data input row

1. Select a row in the sheet where you want to insert the new row.
2. Go to **Insert Row** and select the **row type** to be inserted.

<figure><img src="/files/XNefeNifBtoXMY5NKRdl" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Insert a **Data Input Number** row.
4. Enter the **Title** for the **Static Row** and configure the row properties.

<figure><img src="/files/bd4lthnG7mlb6SIB4FUD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

5. Select **Create**.
6. The new row is inserted after the selected row and becomes available for manual data entry.

<figure><img src="/files/ugOt7lH0iVYA0K2GWn1u" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Configure row properties

When creating a data input row, you can configure the following properties.

**Insert As**

* **Single**: Single row is inserted.
* **Templated**: Multiple rows are inserted across dimension hierarchies.

**Scaling factor**

Specifies the numeric scaling applied to the row values, such as thousands or millions. The default option is **Auto**.

**Include in total**

Determines whether values entered in the row contribute to parent totals or grand totals.

**Distribute parent value to children**

When enabled, values entered at a parent level are automatically distributed across child rows.

**Bind for cross-filter or RLS**

Ensures that **cross-filter selections and row-level security (RLS)** rules apply to manually inserted rows. This action prevents users from viewing data outside their permitted scope.

<figure><img src="/files/dbRAA6uGX1QaDwtByDxE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

These settings help control how users interact with manually inserted rows.

### Insert a data input column

#### Types of data input columns

Planning sheet supports various types of data input columns to be inserted, depending on your needs.

* **Formula**: A calculated column that derives values using formulas.
* **Number**: A column for numeric input, including integers, decimals, currency, or percentages.
* **Simulate**: A column for entering values used in scenario simulations or adjustments.
* **Text**: A column for free-form text input.
* **Checkbox**: A boolean input column for true/false or checked/unchecked values.
* **Person**: A column to select or assign a person from a predefined list.
* **List**: A dropdown input column allowing selection from predefined options.
* **Date**: A column for selecting or entering dates.
* **Audit**: A tracking column that logs changes and user actions for auditing purposes.

<figure><img src="/files/A4OsJmmVuVot0e8vCPHl" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Steps to insert a data input column

1. Go to **Planning > Insert Column**.
2. Select the data input column you want to configure.
3. Insert a data input **Number** column. You can insert an empty series and enter your values, or copy from another series in the sheet.

<figure><img src="/files/UbO7wYM6NlYIu9wisxr8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. Enter the **Title** and configure the properties. Select **Create**.&#x20;
5. The Number input data column is created.&#x20;
6. Double-click and enter the values in the cell.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/LNtc3QS9vX1rpgCCRPdi" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Similarly, you can insert all other types of Data input measures/columns.

#### Configure column properties

Columns have the following configurable properties:

* **Title**: Name of the input column displayed in the Planning sheet.
* **Insert as:**&#x20;
  * **Visual Measure -** A column is added at each column hierarchy.
  * **Visual Column -** A single column is added at the end outside the column hierarchy.
* **Input type**: Specifies the data type for the column (such as *Number*).
* **Row aggregation type**: Defines how values roll up across hierarchy levels (such as *Sum*).
* **Distribute parent value to children**: Automatically allocates parent values proportionally to child members.
* **Enable Multi-Dimension Allocation**: Allows splitting values across multiple dimension breakdowns.
* **Minimum Value**: Sets the lowest allowable input value for validation.
* **Maximum Value**: Sets the highest allowable input value for validation.
* **Static Value**: Set a fixed value.

<figure><img src="/files/VDFvxUbfysdMFf6naXNL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.fabricplan.com/planning-sheets/how-tos/extend-planning-sheet-with-data-input.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
