MDX Formula Syntax

The basis for a dimension and advanced rule formulas is the multi-dimensional expression language called MDX.

Features

You can use the following features of MDX formula syntax:

Syntax basics

  • You can write the dimension ID using both uppercase and lowercase letters case, and the member ID should be the identical case of the member.

  • You must enclose all member IDs in [square brackets].

  • You must fully-qualify all member IDs, preceded by the names of their related dimension enclosed in square brackets, unless the dimension is ACCOUNT, in which case you may omit the dimension name.

MDX syntax exceptions

The following are exceptions to MDX syntax:

  • Replace the keyword AS with an equal (=) sign.

  • Do not use single quotes around expressions.

Note that the following structure is the normal syntax for calculated members required by MDX queries:

{member} = {expression}[, solve_order = n]

The only exceptions are the equal sign (=) in place of the “AS” keyword and the lack of single quotes around the expression.

More Information

For examples of simple MDX formulas that can be used in the Formula column for an account, see Simple Rule Formula Examples.

For examples of movement calculations and allocating expenses based on entity type, see Advanced Rule Formula Examples.