Creating a derived metric using a function

When you create a derived metric, you can define it using a function, which allows you to create a more complex derived metric. For example, you can choose a RunningSum function to create a RunningSum of Revenue (RunningSum(Revenue)) metric.

To create a derived metric using a function, you select the function, define its arguments and parameters, and then specify the metrics on which to base the new metric.

Refer to the MicroStrategy Functions Reference to learn about the types of functions available in MicroStrategy, what each function calculates, the correct syntax to use for each, and examples.

The steps below show you how to create a derived metric in a report. You can create a derived metric in a document by right-clicking a metric and selecting Insert Function. For details and steps, see Creating derived metrics in documents.

Prerequisites

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• You must have MicroStrategy OLAP Services to create derived metrics. To evaluate OLAP Services, contact your MicroStrategy Account Executive or email MicroStrategy directly at info@microstrategy.com.  

• You must have the necessary privileges to add or remove metrics and calculations.

• You must have DHTML enabled. See Enabling DHTML in Web.

To create a derived metric using a function

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1. Click the name of a report to execute it. The report must be in either Grid view or Grid and Graph view.

2. From the Data menu, select Insert New Metric ( icon). The Insert New Metric dialog box is displayed.

3. Define the formula that should appear before the function, if any.

4. Click the Function Wizard icon . The Insert Function dialog box opens.

5. From the Select a category drop-down list, select the function to use. When you select a folder, the list of functions in that folder are displayed in the Select a function area. A description of each function is displayed below the area.
   
   Note: Refer to the MicroStrategy Functions Reference for information on the types of functions available in MicroStrategy, what each function calculates, the correct syntax to use for each, and examples.

6. Click OK. The Function Arguments dialog box opens.

7. Define the function by entering values for each parameter. The arguments and parameter options that appear differ depending on the function you chose.
   
   Note: Refer to the MicroStrategy Functions Reference for information on the correct syntax to use for each function and examples.

Related topics

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• Creating a metric based on other metrics: Derived metrics

• Creating derived metrics in documents