Formula Builder¶
The formula builder lets you create custom calculations without writing Excel formulas. Build formulas visually by connecting data sources, operations, and outputs.
Getting Started¶
- Navigate to Formulas in the main menu
- Click New Formula
- Choose a mode:
- Builder: Visual drag-and-drop editor
- Advanced: Direct expression editor
Building a Formula¶
Step 1: Add Input Nodes¶
Drag column references onto the canvas. Each node represents a data column from your workbook.
Step 2: Add Operations¶
Connect inputs to operation nodes:
| Node Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Compare | Compare two values | spread > 500 |
| If | Conditional logic | IF condition THEN x ELSE y |
| Sum | Add values together | par_value + accrued |
| Lookup | Find matching values | Match by CUSIP |
| Expression | Custom formula | par * price / 100 |
Step 3: Connect Edges¶
Draw connections between nodes to define data flow.
Step 4: Validate¶
Click Validate to check your formula for errors:
- Missing connections
- Circular dependencies
- Type mismatches
Step 5: Preview¶
Test your formula against real workbook data before applying.
Step 6: Apply¶
Apply the formula to a workbook sheet, creating a new calculated column.
Formula Versioning¶
Every change creates a new version:
- View version history
- Compare versions
- Roll back to a previous version
Tips¶
Start Simple
Begin with simple formulas and build complexity gradually. Use Preview to verify each step.
Output Mode
Choose carefully between New (creates a new column) and Overwrite (replaces existing values).
Related Documentation¶
- Formula Builder - Technical documentation
- Formulas API - API reference
- Calculations - Direct formula evaluation