ForemanFOREMAN

Formulas and parameters

Write quantity formulas with measurement tokens, waste factors, and math operators — and understand how parameters keep your budget in sync with the plan.

A parameter is a named value — usually a plan measurement — that you reference inside a quantity formula. Formulas let a line compute its own quantity instead of you retyping numbers.

Anatomy of a formula

A formula is plain math with measurement tokens mixed in:

  • {Wall Area} — a token, shown as a colored pill, that pulls in a measurement.
  • * 1.1 — multiply by a 10% waste factor.
  • ( … ) / 27 — group and convert (cubic feet to cubic yards).

So {Slab Area} * {Depth} / 27 reads as: slab area times depth, converted to cubic yards.

Write a formula

  1. Click a line's Quantity Formula cell.
  2. Type or pick a measurement to insert it as a token.
  3. Add operators and numbers: +, -, *, /, and parentheses all work.
  4. Press Enter to commit, or Tab to move to the next field.

Note

Type a measurement's name and press space to convert the word into a token. If the name is new, Foreman creates the parameter for you.

Common patterns

  • Waste factor — {Roof Area} * 1.15 for 15% overage.
  • Unit conversion — {Trench Volume} / 27 from cubic feet to cubic yards.
  • Coverage — {Wall Area} / 350 for gallons of paint at 350 ft² per gallon.
  • Stacking — ({Floor 1 Area} + {Floor 2 Area}) * 1.05.

Why parameters beat typed numbers

A typed quantity is a snapshot — it goes stale the moment the plan changes. A parameter is a live link: re-measure on the plan, and every formula that references it recomputes, cascading through extended cost, price, and profit. Build the formula once and the math maintains itself.

NextPlan markup and management