Using derived metrics in documents

A derived metric calculates data and displays results dynamically by using at least one of the metrics in the document. Derived metrics add a dynamic application of calculations to a document without requiring new metric definitions.

For example, if your dataset contains the dollar sales for a particular region, and you want to view the same data in millions, you could create a derived metric with a definition of [Dollar Sales]/1000000.

A derived metric:

Must be a compound metric; however, a compound metric does not have to be a derived metric
Must use metrics from the same dataset
Can be reused within the document, including in grids and in conditional formatting expressions
Is calculated by the Analytical Engine based on metrics that are contained in Dataset Objects
Cannot use transformation objects

Note: You can only use metrics already existing in a single dataset to create a derived metric. If the new definition demands metric data not readily available, the information cannot be obtained dynamically, as the dataset must first be re-executed.

When you create a derived metric, it is added to the Dataset Objects pane but is not placed on the document. You can add it to the document just as you would any other dataset object. You can also use it in conditional formatting expressions. However, if you select a Grid/Graph object before creating the derived metric, the metric is added to the Grid/Graph as well as placed in the Dataset Objects for future use.

To create a derived metric in a document

Open the document in Design Mode or Editable Mode.
Do one of the following:

To create a derived metric in a Grid/Graph: Right-click a Grid/Graph in the document layout area and select Insert New Metric. The Insert New Metric dialog box opens. Continue to the next step.
To create a derived metric directly from a metric in the document: From the Dataset Objects, right-click the metric on which to base the derived metric, and select Insert New Metric. The Insert New Metric dialog box opens. Continue to the next step.
To create a derived metric directly from a metric in the document and base the derived metric on a function: Right-click the metric in the Layout area and select Insert Function. The Insert Function dialog box opens. Then continue with the steps in Creating a derived metric using a function.

Note: All metrics used in a derived metric must be from the same dataset.

The Available pane on the left displays objects in the selected dataset. Select the first object to use to define the derived metric and click the > icon. This moves the object to the Definition pane on the right.
Add a function or operator in one of the following ways:

Type an operator such as + or - next to the object name.
You can also use the Insert Function Wizard icon to guide you through the process of creating a function. ( How?)

Select additional objects to define the metric and add them to the Definition pane, or enter a constant.
Click Apply. If necessary, modify the expression until it is valid.
In the Name field, type a name for the new metric.
Click OK to apply the new metric to your document. The new metric is added to the appropriate dataset in Dataset Objects. If you selected a Grid/Graph before creating the metric, it is also added to that Grid/Graph.

You can now use the derived metric as you would any other dataset object. You can drag and drop it from the Dataset Objects to the Layout area to place it into the document.

To edit a derived metric

Right-click the derived metric in Dataset Objects and select Edit. The Rename/Edit Objects dialog box opens.
Apply any changes you want to make to the metric. You can refer to the previous procedure to make changes in the metric.

To delete a derived metric

Open the document in Design or Editable Mode.
Right-click the derived metric in Dataset Objects and select Delete From Document.