MULTIPLICATION (*)
Category: Arithmetic operators
Overview
The MULTIPLICATION operator multiplies two inputs across their combined dimension set. In other words, multiplication uses the union of both inputs’ dimensions.
The result keeps the finer level in each shared dimension and retains dimensions that exist on only one side.
Use this operator for standard multiplication without additional validation handling.
Syntax
'Node1' * 'Node2'
Example usage: 'Volume' * 'Price'
Parameters
| Parameter | Description | Type | Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Node1 | First factor node, specified using the node name in single quotes (e.g.'Volume') | Node reference | Yes |
| Node2 | Second factor node, specified using the node name in single quotes (e.g.'Price') | Node reference | Yes |
Output Shape
| Aspect | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Dimensionality | The result uses the combined dimension set (the union of both inputs’ dimensions). Per shared dimension, the finer level is used. Dimensions that exist on only one side are kept as-is. |
| Level values | Values are matched on shared dimensions. Non-shared dimensions expand the result across matching rows. |
| Row count | Equal or expanded. |
Watch Out
- Multiplication uses the combined dimension set (union), not the common dimensions. This is the opposite of addition and subtraction.
- If one input has additional dimensions, the result expands to keep them.
- This expansion is a common cause of unexpected output shape.
- Units are multiplied together as well. For example,
EUR*Quantityproduces the combined unitEUR * Quantity.
Examples
Multiplying nodes with matching dimensions
Input node: Node1
| Year | Value |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Input node: Node2
| Year | Value |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Formula: 'Node1' * 'Node2'
| Year | → MULTIPLICATION Result |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 * 3 = 6 |
| 2026 | 4 * 1 = 4 |
Multiplying nodes with some shared dimensions
This example shows how multiplication keeps the finer dimensionality from Node2.
Input node: Node1
| Year | Value |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Input node: Node2
| Year | Product | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | A | 2 |
| 2025 | B | 0 |
| 2026 | A | 1 |
| 2026 | B | 4 |
Formula: 'Node1' * 'Node2'
| Year | Product | → MULTIPLICATION Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | A | 2 * 2 = 4 |
| 2025 | B | 2 * 0 = 0 |
| 2026 | A | 4 * 1 = 4 |
| 2026 | B | 4 * 4 = 16 |
Multiplying by a scalar
When one input is a scalar value, that value is applied across all rows of the other input.
Input node: Node1
| Year | Value |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Input node: Node2
| Value |
|---|
| 2 |
Formula: 'Node1' * 'Node2'
| Year | → MULTIPLICATION Result |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 * 2 = 4 |
| 2026 | 4 * 2 = 8 |
Related Functions
| Function | When to use instead |
| MULTIPLY | When you want multiplication with explicit validation options and clearer mismatch handling. |
| DIVISION (/) | When you want the same combined-dimension logic but need to divide instead of multiply. |