Nested formulas

Learn about nested formulas.

Nested formulas, or formula on formula, allow you to reference a formula within another formula. This graphic illustrates how you would define a formula and then reference it from another:

Image with 2 formulas from the formula builder. Formula1 is defined as group_average ( quantity

These formulas become columns, and are even suggested within the Formula Builder. There is no limit to the nesting depth you can create.

ThoughtSpot doesn’t allow users to create invalid formulas, such as cyclic (loops) or inconsistent aggregation formulas. To support this, formulas have dependency awareness. For example, you can’t delete a formula that is nested in another. Also, formula dependency awareness ensures that you don’t break any dependent formulas while editing a formula with dependent formulas. For example, common cases of invalidating occur when users try to change a data type.

Nesting enables encapsulation and decomposition of formula logic. Meaning, you may have a staff member create some small useful formulas that others can use. This also minimizes duplication of formulas.