> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.fabricplan.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.fabricplan.com/user-guide/4-enter-plans-and-budgets/4.3-incremental-and-zero-based-budgeting-using-number-columns.md).

# 4.3 - Incremental and zero-based budgeting using number columns

Learn to copy values from another series to create an incremental budget, or insert an empty number series to create a zero-based budget.

#### Create a budget from prior-year values <a href="#create-a-budget-from-prior-year-values" id="create-a-budget-from-prior-year-values"></a>

1. In the **Planning** ribbon, go to **Insert Column > Number** and select **Copy from another series**. Select *PY Revenue* as the source series.

<figure><img src="/files/L3YfU5LZd1KAYsmhMPCw" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. Enter *Budget* as the name for the new measure.

<figure><img src="/files/TL9uqNdzITvZC1YqwEjs" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. This example creates a *Budget* measure with values copied from *PY Revenue*. Select a cell to update values as needed.

<figure><img src="/files/6U4z2ju0qnP5WK0MTUkk" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Create a budget using a blank template <a href="#create-a-budget-using-a-blank-template" id="create-a-budget-using-a-blank-template"></a>

1. In the **Planning** ribbon, go to **Insert Column > Number** and select **Insert a new empty series**.

<figure><img src="/files/ga8VSXpQHQJAS0KwHAnt" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. Enter *Budget* as the title and select **Visual Measure**. For **Input type** select *Number*, for **Column aggregation type** select *Sum*, and for **Row aggregation type** select *Sum*. This example inserts a *Budget* measure.

<figure><img src="/files/yelqy2sTf3xEbhFzvPpt" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Select the checkbox to distribute parent values to child members in the hierarchy.

<figure><img src="/files/H7KmsnZWQZjaPNSQXxT1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. To enter values, select a cell.

<figure><img src="/files/6vOvpoFF6vG9r9inJ8V1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

5. Enter values in the formula bar. You can also enter scaled values such as '18b' or '50m.

<figure><img src="/files/XlfeqTDiPeoyVuxkxS1k" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

6. Values are distributed automatically across row and column hierarchies and aggregated up to totals. By default, values are distributed equally down hierarchies.

<figure><img src="/files/bSeEdOgq1kFfjMZHtvVu" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

7. To change the distribution method, select a cell and open the distribution menu.

<figure><img src="/files/AQb1v2zRvLZWQR1TRSgk" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

8. Select the *Distribute by weights of PY Revenue* distribution method to distribute the *2026 Budget* based on the weights of the previous year's revenue.

<figure><img src="/files/9cbPoiXL5irfCE8ApJ9t" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

9. The value is redistributed based on the selected method.

<figure><img src="/files/y4NWinyAem718Lmm4qFU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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