Calculation derived element

A Calculation derived element uses operators and functions to combine attribute elements and derived elements into calculations that define a single derived element.

For example, in a report with Region and Category attributes and a Profit metric, you can combine the regions on the report into various groups for profit analysis, as shown below.

A procedure to create the report shown above is provided in Using calculations to create derived elements.

Calculation derived elements are created by defining expressions with valid combinations of operators, functions, attribute elements, and derived elements. An example of a valid expression is shown below.

You can include the following when you create a Calculation derived element expression:

• Attribute elements: You can include attribute elements in your expression by selecting the attribute from the drop-down list, selecting attribute elements, and dragging and dropping them into the expression area.

• Derived elements: You can include other derived elements in your expression by selecting derived elements from the Groups drop-down list, and dragging and dropping them into the expression area. The example below shows a Calculation derived element created by performing a division of two other derived elements.

  

• Operators: You can include ( ), +, -, *, and /, which are all available on the toolbar.
• Functions: You can include Average, Greatest, and Least by clicking f(x) on the toolbar and completing the Insert Function Wizard. For information on these functions, see Creating quick calculations. For steps to use the Insert Function Wizard, click Help in the wizard.
• Clear: You can clear the expression to start creating a new expression.
• Validate: You can check your expression to see if its syntax is valid. Any errors in syntax are highlighted in red.

To create Calculation derived elements, you can either quickly create derived elements with right-click options (see Creating quick calculations), or you can use the Derived Elements Editor to access the full functionality of derived elements (see Using the Derived Elements Editor).