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A Variable can have several formulas. cfo.ai selects the matching rule for the cell address being calculated.

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Start with applicable formulas

A formula must match the current Scenario, applicable Dimensions, selected Dimension items, Date context, and formula range before it can be used.

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Specific formulas override broad formulas

When more than one formula applies, cfo.ai uses the rule that best matches the requested context. A common pattern is:
  1. A default formula covers the Variable broadly.
  2. A Dimension-specific formula overrides it when the Variable is segmented by that Dimension.
  3. A segment-specific formula overrides it for a particular Dimension item.
Formula ranges add a time boundary. An Actuals formula applies only inside Actuals, and a Forecast formula applies only inside Forecast.

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Example

Suppose Payroll has:
  • A default formula for all departments
  • A Department formula for departmental views
  • A Sales formula for Department = Sales
When cfo.ai calculates Sales, it uses the Sales formula. When it calculates Engineering, it uses the Department formula. When Department is not part of the calculation, it uses the default formula.

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Avoid overlapping exceptions

Several highly specific formulas can make a model difficult to reason about. Prefer one clear default and add overrides only for real differences in business logic. If a result is unexpected, review the Variable’s formulas, the selected Scenario, the visible table context, and the formula range before changing the expression.