Create Flexible Reports with Parameters

Parameters are a powerful way to give viewers control of how data is calculated on a workbook. Parameters replace constant values in equations, allowing viewers to dynamically update inputs. They can be changed on the fly within a workbook.

What-if or user-input analysis lets users explore different scenarios, and parameters make setting it up easy. By changing the value of the parameter, multiple visualizations can be updated showing how different inputs affect the outcome. You can set up a parameter for expected increase in sales and see how changing the expectation changes the sales forecast. A parameter with the assumed cost can be quickly updated as prices fluctuate. Multiple parameters can be used in the same equation, letting you set up flexible scenarios. 

A workbook showing segments or cohorts also benefits from parameters. Let users choose which segment to focus on, and all the charts on the workbook can update to show that particular segment of the total population.

In Sigma, you can create parameters on a dataset and for that reason they are often called dataset parameters. Passing values to a dataset parameter is useful when you want to affect the data before it ever enters a workbook, and for complex parameterized equations that affect multiple workbooks.  

For more information see Dataset Parameters and Parameters in Workbooks.

Simple Parameter Formula Example

In this example, the formula adds 5 to the data source parameter: 

[data-source-parameter] + 5

When the parameter value changes, Sigma recalculates the result with that value: 

0 + 5 = 5
3 + 5 = 8
10 + 5 = 15