# Variables

In Pluvo, forecasting is built around variables. Variables are simply any piece of data that can be referenced in a formula. Think of them as cells in an spreadsheet. just like you could reference cell 'A1' in a spreadsheet formula, you can reference Pluvo Variables when building forecasts.  

Every variable has a[ forecast definition](https://docs.pluvo.io/features/variables/forecast-definitions) and an [actuals defition](https://docs.pluvo.io/features/variables/actuals-definitions). 

Forecast definition: the formula to be used for **future values.**\
Actuals definition: the formula to be used for **past values**. 

Variables come in several types, but all behave the same way. To insert a variable into a formula, simply type "#" in any cell to bring up the variable menu. 

To search for a specific variable, begin typing. You can search variables either by name, or by category.  e.g: typing `#Balance` will bring up a list of all the balance sheet metrics. 

To insert a variable, click on it in the dropdown, or highlight it and press `enter`. 

## Variable Types

Variables come in three types that determine how they behave in formulas and charts. 

* Number
* Currency
* Percentage

To change variable types, select the Type button on variable row (figure 1). <br>

<figure><img src="https://2560398861-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FJHpfCGTKNlKnaVfXaOHg%2Fuploads%2FkQ13AZ3cLfkkaw0YT2oV%2FScreenshot%202025-05-11%20at%209.28.51%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=2fc492c8-5abf-40c7-9905-311fab32835c" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Variable Type Selector</p></figcaption></figure>

### Number Variables

Number variables are used for countable amounts besides currency. For example: headcount. Any amount that is not expressed as a dollar amount.  When a number variable is added to a chart.&#x20;

### Currency Variables

Currency Variables behave much like numbers, however they are limited to 2 decimal places and include a currency icon when displaying in grids and charts (e.g: $).

When creating a new currency variable you must select which currency the variable should be (e.g: CAD, USD, AUD, GBP, etc.)&#x20;

If only one currency is activated via the organization settings, then currency variables will  choose that currency by default.&#x20;

### Percentage Variables

Percentage variables include the % symbol in charts and grids and are automatically multiplied by 100 when calculated.&#x20;

e.g: a percentage variable that is defined as `1÷10` will output 10%, not 0.1.

Percentages are also automatically divided by 100 when being called in a formula.

e.g: `$100 * 10%` will output the same result as `$100 * 0.1` .

### Combining Variable Types

When combining variables of multiple types in a formula, the output will be that of the parent variable. In other words, Pluvo will perform the operations directly on the value of each variable without converting between types.&#x20;

Keep this in mind when calculating and combining percentages, as you may or may not wish to multiply the result by 100, depending on your purposes and application.&#x20;


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