Reference Updated April 10, 2026

DATA

Overview

The DATA function references a data table (an uploaded dataset, such as an Excel sheet) directly from within a node formula.

Use this function when you need to bring uploaded data into your Valsight model.

Syntax

DATA("DataSourceName", "TableName", "MeasureName" [, "Unit"])

Example usage: DATA("Cost_Upload", "G&A_Upload", "Value")

Tip: You can also insert DATA formulas using the Data button in the function editor.

Parameters

Parameter	Description	Type	Required
DataSourceName	Name of the data source in double quotes (e.g. `"Model Data"`).	String	Yes
TableName	Name of the table in double quotes (e.g. `"Gross_Sales"`). If the data source is an Excel Workbook, this is the sheet name.	String	Yes
MeasureName	Name of the measure column in double quotes (e.g. `"Price"`).	String	Yes
Unit	Optional unit or ratio of two units. For a single unit, plain double quotes work (e.g. `"EUR"`). For a ratio, each unit must be wrapped in single quotes (e.g. `"'EUR'/'Case'"`).	String	No

Using the Data button

You can also create the function using the Data button in the function editor.

This allows you to select the data source, table, and measure from a dropdown menu instead of typing them manually.

Output Shape

Aspect	Behavior
Dimensionality	Inherits the full dimensionality of the source table
Values	The selected measure column becomes the node value
Row count	Returns all rows from the referenced DataTable

Watch Out

Each DATA node references exactly one measure.
If your table contains multiple measures, create separate DATA nodes for each.
The category columns in your uploaded data (e.g. Region, Product, Month) must match the dimensions and levels configured in your project.
The order of rows in the result may differ from the source table.

Examples

Basic data upload

Prerequisite

An Excel Workbook in the required Valsight format has been uploaded in the data management of Valsight.

Formula: DATA("Cost_Upload", "G&A_Upload", "Value")

Result:

The node now contains the complete dataset with all dimensional detail.

Using an explicit unit

You can optionally define a unit for the returned values.

DATA("Cost_Upload", "G&A_Upload", "Value", "EUR")

This returns the same data but explicitly sets the node’s unit to Euro.

Using Project Variables

Project variables can be placed anywhere within any string parameter, as the full value, a suffix, or embedded in the middle, to dynamically reference data sources or tables. This allows scenarios to switch between different sources without changing the formula.

Pattern	Example
Variable as full parameter	`DATA("$DataSourceName", "TableName", "MeasureName")` or `DATA("DataSourceName", "$TableName", "MeasureName")`
Variable appended to a prefix	`DATA("Actuals_$Year", "TableName", "MeasureName")`
Variable embedded mid-string	`DATA("DataSourceName", "Table_$Variable", "MeasureName")`

Function	When to use instead
EXPAND	When your DATA node needs additional dimensional detail not present in the source table.
FILTER	When you need only a subset of the rows returned by DATA.
ROLLFORWARD_ADVANCED	When you need to project historical DATA values into future periods.