Defining Formulas Ad Hoc

Use

In BEx Web applications, you can use a formula to make an ad hoc recalculation of key figures in a structure.

Procedure

Defining a Formula

In the context menu for a structural component, choose Calculations and Translations → Formulas →New Formula.
Enter a description for the formula.
Define your formula using the operands and operators provided.
The area to the bottom left contains all the operands available for defining the formula. These are:
- The structure elements contained in the structure
- The formulas that you have already defined ad hoc in this structure
On the right side of the screen, the functions that are available as operators are displayed:
- Mathematical functions
- Boolean operators with the exception of relational operators (<, <=, <>, ==, >, >=)
- Percentage functions
- Trigonometric functions
- Data functions
Above these two areas, the symbols for basic arithmetical operations are displayed. To the right, there is a numeric pad.

To define a formula, proceed as follows:
- Choose the required operands by clicking them. They are displayed in the upper field, which contains the formula definition.
- Choose the calculation functions you want to use by either clicking the icons for basic arithmetical operations or by clicking the functions in the Available Operatorsfield.
- Select the numerical values for the formula by clicking the numeric pad.
  
  Note
  
  You can also enter digits, parentheses and basic arithmetical operations using the keyboard.
To test whether the syntax and semantics in the formula definition are correct, choose Check.

Caution

Note that key figures are always calculated with the same unit. A formula is semantically incorrect, for example, if you add a currency unit (such as EUR) with a weight unit (such as kg). If you want to calculate values regardless of the unit, use the Value Without Dimension (No Unit)function.

More information: Data Functions
Choose OK.
The new formula is defined in the structure and is displayed in the analysis grid.

Editing a Formula

In the context menu for a structural component, choose Calculations and Translations → Formulas →<Description of the Formula> → Edit.
Make the required changes to the formula definition.
Choose OK.

Removing a Formula

In the context menu for a structural component, choose Calculations and Translations → Formulas →<Description of the Formula> → Remove.

The formula is removed from the Web application.

Result

You have defined the formula ad hoc in the Web application and have the option of saving it as a query view for reuse.