Creating Formulas Using the Formula Bar

When you select a cell, column, or row containing a formula specification, you can apply a unique formula to that cell.

For example, the custom formula depicted above adds the value of the cell located at A,2 to the value of the cell located at B,2.

Tip:	See the following list to optimize formulas:

Use row/column formulas as opposed to cell formulas whenever possible.
Use reference properties instead of functions when possible. Rows, columns, or cell references can have a property associated with it. For example, the row reference: [1:5].sum produces the same result as using the Sum function; Sum([1:5]). However, the first formula executes faster since it is being used as a reference property.
Avoid using cross-axis references and consider using a cell reference if possible.
Use parentheses only when necessary. Improper use of parentheses can result in unnecessary evaluation iterations within the evaluation routine of the calculation engine.

To create a formula using the formula bar:

Open or create a report.
Insert a grid.
Insert a formula row or column and select the formula cell. Alternatively, you can apply a formula to the entire column or row by selecting it.
Note:
When you use a cell formula within a row or column formula, the cell formula should reference the cells exactly (intersection) and not just the row and column.
Create a formula for the cell using one of the following methods:
- Type the formula directly into the formula bar.
- Use the drop-down menu on the formula bar, shown below, to select the function to be used in the formula. For guidance on creating formulas, see Defining Formula Rows or Columns. For a description of available mathematical functions, see Mathematical Functions.
  Tip:
  When using the formula bar, you can access Function help by clicking the Help button.
Validate the formula using the check mark, , on the formula bar.