Parameters in Estimates: How to Use Formulas for Automatic Calculations

📌 Key Benefits
Parameters are designed to make your estimating process simpler and more flexible — saving you time, reducing errors, and helping you adapt quickly when project details change.

Eliminate manual recalculations — update a single parameter and watch all linked estimate items adjust automatically.
Save valuable time by setting up common measurements once and reusing them across multiple items.
Boost accuracy with formulas that instantly reflect real-world changes in your project.
Simplify estimating by letting the system handle the math for you.
Stay adaptable on-site — quickly update room sizes or dimensions as field conditions change.

Step 1: Locate Parameters in Your Project

Navigate to your project’s Estimate page.
In the upper-right corner, click the equal sign (=) icon to open the Parameters panel.
Add your parameter labels (e.g., Living Room, Dining Room, Master Bedroom) and enter their square footage or other measurements.

💡 Pro Tip for Estimators: Set up common room sizes or recurring dimensions at the start of each project to quickly reference them in your formulas.

Step 2: Apply Parameters in an Estimate Item

Go to the category where you want to apply a parameter (e.g., Finishes).
Select the item you want to calculate (e.g., Hardwood Flooring Materials).
In the Quantity column, click the blue plus-equals (+=) icon.
Build your formula using:
- Basic math (+, −, ×, ÷)
- Functions (e.g., SUM)
- The parameter labels you set earlier

Example: SUM(Living Room, Dining Room, Master Bedroom)

Supported Parameter Functions Ressio

Use these functions anywhere formulas are supported in estimate item quantities.

Name	Type	Symbol/ Function	Description	Example	What it Returns
Add / Plus	Operator	`+`	Adds values together	`Living Room + Dining Room`	Combined total
Subtract / Minus	Operator	`-`	Subtracts one value from another	`Total Area - Hallway`	Difference between values
Multiply	Operator	`x` or `*`	Multiplies values	Length x Width or Length * Width	Area or total quantity
Divide	Operator	`÷` or `/`	Divides one value by another	`Total SF ÷ 4` or `Total / 4`	Value split into equal parts
SUM	Function	`SUM ()`	Adds two or more values or parameters	`SUM (Room1, Room2, Room3)`	Combined total
PRODUCT	Function	`PRODUCT ()`	Multiplies two or more values	`PRODUCT ( Length, Width)`	Area, volume, or mass total
ROUNDUP	Function	`ROUNDUP ()`	Rounds a value up to the next whole number	`ROUNDUP (SQFT)`	9.1 ->10
ROUNDDOWN	Function	`ROUNDDOWN ()`	Rounds a value down to the nearest whole number	`ROUNDDOWN (SQFT)`	9.9 ->9
CEILING	Function	`CEILING ()`	Rounds up to the nearest multiple you specify	`CEILING(SF, 50)`	121->150
FLOOR	Function	`FLOOR()`	Rounds down to the nearest multiple	`FLOOR (SF, 10)`	127->120
SQRT	Function	`SQRT()`	Returns the square root of a value	`SQRT(Area)`	Square root value

💡Use parameters to avoid costly rework when plans change. Instead of updating quantities in multiple line items, tie formulas directly to a single parameter — that way, one change updates your entire estimate.

Example:

PRODUCT(RoomLength, RoomWidth)

Step 3: Review the Calculation

After entering your formula, the system will automatically calculate the total (e.g., 990 square feet).
Adjust any parameter values (e.g., change a room size), and the system will instantly update the quantity in your estimate.

📌 Note for Builders: If a field measurement changes on-site, updating the parameter once will recalculate all linked estimate items automatically.

Reordering Parameters

Move parameters by dragging them into your preferred order. Value updates and calculation functionality remain unchanged. The reorder feature only affects how parameters appear visually to enhance usability.

After you finish sorting, don't forget to click 'Update parameters'.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, contact our support team at support@ressiosoftware.com. We're here to help!