The SPREAD function divides a value evenly over a number of time periods.
Syntax
SPREAD(Value to divide, Number of time periods [, List])
Arguments
| Argument | Data type | Description |
| Value to divide | Number | The value to be spread across the time periods. |
| Number of time periods | Number | The number of time periods to spread the value over. |
| List (Polaris-only) | N/A | See Calculation engine functionality differences. |
The SPREAD function returns numeric values.
Calculation engine functionality differences
In Polaris, you cannot use SPREAD in formulas of line items with a formula summary method. In the Classic Engine, you can.
In Polaris, you can use SPREAD over a hierarchy, by including an additional argument. In the Classic Engine, you cannot. If the additional argument is not included the function defaults to Time as the dimension.
Constraints
- You cannot have a decimal value for the number of time periods.
- The Value to divide and Number of time periods arguments must have the same Time range.
Excel equivalent
Examples
| Jan 19 | Feb 19 | Mar 19 | Apr 19 | May 19 | Jun 19 | |
| Value to spread | 10 000 | 0 | 4000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Spread
| 2500 | 2500 | 3500 | 3500 | 1000 | 1000 |
From the example above, the value 10000 is entered into the Value to spread cell for Jan 19 and is spread over the next 4 months.
When an additional value of 4000 is added in Mar 19, the value is also spread over the next 4 months. The overlapping months are summed to provide a final figure.
