Using the Formula Builder

How to create formulas to perform calculations using your existing Scorecard's KPIs.

Written by Tommy Mains

Updated at May 1st, 2025

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Table of Contents

How to Use the Formula Builder Permissions Needed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Do the KPIs used as variables need to be on the same Scorecard as the KPI using the Formula Builder? What happens if the KPIs used as variables are missing data?

The Formula Builder allows users to create mathematical formulas to generate a KPI's score. The calculations can include existing KPIs as variables. With the Formula Builder, you can use the following basic mathematical operators, including order of operations formulas with parentheses:

  • Addition
  • Subtraction
  • Multiplication
  • Division

 

To create a new KPI with the Formula Builder or create a formula for an existing KPI, click the Enable Formula Builder toggle at the bottom of the KPI's details card.

Note: The Formula Builder was previously called Smart KPI.

 

How to Use the Formula Builder

Click through the tabs below to learn about the Formula Builders features.

Adding KPIs as Variables

The Formula Builder allows you to utilize your KPIs as variables in a mathematical expression.

Example: You are already capturing “Sales” and “Cost of Goods Sold” on your Scorecard and want to generate “Gross Profit” automatically. The following directions follow this example.

  1. Click Data from the left navigation.
  2. Click New KPI on the intended KPI group.
  3. Click Create new KPI.
  4. Name the KPI “Gross Profit.”
  5. Toggle on Formula Builder.
  6. Click Add KPI.
  7. Search for and click your existing “Sales” KPI.
  8. Select the subtract operator.
  9. Click Add KPI.
  10. Search for and click your “Cost of Goods Sold” KPI.
  11. Create a Goal (a specific number, range, etc.).
  12. Assign the KPI's Owner.
  13. Click Save.
 
 

Adding Constant Variables

Constants allow you to treat numbers the same for each calculation.

Example: You want to calculate a “daily average” by dividing your Weekly KPI by seven.

  1. Click Data from the left navigation.
  2. Click New KPI on the intended KPI group.
  3. Click Create new KPI.
  4. Name the KPI “Daily Average.”
  5. Toggle on Formula Builder.
  6. Click Add KPI.
  7. Search for and click your existing “Weekly Sales” Measurable.
  8. Click the division operator.
  9. Click Add Number.
  10. Enter the number seven (7) and click the checkmark.
  11. Create a Goal.
  12. Assign the KPI's Owner.
  13. Click Save.
 
 

Clearing Formulas

There are two options for deleting aspects of your KPI formula.

  • Click the Backspace button () in the window to remove one element at a time, starting from the end of the formula.
  • Click the X (Clear All) button to empty the formula field.
 
 

 

Permissions Needed

Only users with the role of Manager and above can add or edit KPIs.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do the KPIs used as variables need to be on the same Scorecard as the KPI using the Formula Builder?

No, KPIs used as variables do not need to be on the same Scorecard as the KPI using the Formula Builder. As long as those KPIs are maintained to stay up-to-date somewhere in Ninety (other than the archive), the KPI using the Formula Builder can access their data. 

 
 

What happens if the KPIs used as variables are missing data?

If the KPIs used as variables are missing data or are otherwise not maintained, the individual cells affected will display an “Invalid” error.

 
 
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