Using the Calculation Operators *, /, and %

If you use calculation operators to multiply ( * ), divide ( / ), and calculate percentages ( % ) for members in the database outline, consider the calculation order of the dimensions. The required calculated values may be overwritten by a subsequent calculation on another dimension.

For example, the Sample.Basic database has a Measures dimension, tagged as accounts, and a Year dimension, tagged as time. Measures is calculated first and Year second. If you multiply members on the Measures dimension, the calculated results may be overwritten when Essbase consolidates values on the Year dimension. See Cell Calculation Order.

When you use a multiplication ( * ), division ( / ), or percentage ( % ) operator to consolidate members, carefully order the members in the branch to achieve the required result.

Figure 119, Calculation Operators in the Database Outline shows calculations operators as they appear in an outline. Assume that the user wants to divide the total of Child 2 and Child 3 by Child 1. However, if Child 1 is the first member, Essbase starts with Child 1, starting with the value #MISSING, and dividing it by Child 1. The result is #MISSING. Essbase then adds Child 2 and Child 3. Obviously, this result is not the required one.

Figure 119. Calculation Operators in the Database Outline

This image shows calculation operators in an outline.

To calculate the correct result, make Child 1 the last member in the branch.

You can apply a formula to a member on the database outline to achieve the same result. However, it is far more efficient to use these calculation operators on members as shown in Figure 119, Calculation Operators in the Database Outline.