OFFSET returns a value from a period before or after the current period.

You could use OFFSET to compare how today's regional sales compare to yesterday's.

## Syntax

OFFSET(Value to offset, Offset amount, Substitute value)

## Arguments

 Argument Data Type Description Value to offset Number, Boolean, date, time period, list, or text Value to replace with a value from a different time period. Offset amount Number Number of periods forward from which to retrieve a value. Positive values refer to future periods, negative to past periods, and zero the current period. Substitute value Same as Value to offset Value to apply if the Offset amount specifies a period outside of the model's time range.

The OFFSET function returns a value of the same data type as the Value to offset argument.

## Syntax example

OFFSET(Value to offset, 2, 0)

 Jan Feb Mar April May June Value to offset 3,000 4,000 4,500 3,700 3,500 4,100 OFFSET (Value to offset, 2, 0) 4,500 3,700 3,500 4,100 0 0

OFFSET is the same as LEAD in the NONSTRICT mode.

## Constraints

The Value to offset argument and result line item must share the same time range. Any formula that conflicts with this rule is rejected. For more information see the Time and Date Functions page.

## Calculation engine functionality differences

In Polaris, a value of NaN (Not a Number) for the Offset amount argument returns the Substitute value argument.

In the Classic Engine, a value of NaN is equivalent to 0.

In the Classic Engine, you can use the OFFSET function only with a time dimension. In Polaris, you can use OFFSET with any dimension except Versions.

## Examples

 Jan Feb Mar April May June Value to offset 3,000 4,000 4,500 3,700 3,500 4,100 Substitute value 2,800 3,800 3,200 3,500 3,300 3,900 OFFSET(Value to offset, -1, Substitute value) 2,800 3,000 4,000 4,500 3,700 3,500

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