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Parameters in Estimates: How to Use Formulas for Automatic Calculations

Parameters allow you to use formulas within your estimate to calculate quantities automatically — similar to how you’d use formulas in Excel.

📌 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

  1. Navigate to your project’s Estimate page.

  2. In the upper-right corner, click the equal sign (=) icon to open the Parameters panel.

  3. 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.

Screenshot 2025-08-20 at 10.34.33 AM

Step 2: Apply Parameters in an Estimate Item

  1. Go to the category where you want to apply a parameter (e.g., Finishes).

  2. Select the item you want to calculate (e.g., Hardwood Flooring Materials).

  3. In the Quantity column, click the blue plus-equals (+=) icon.

  4. 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

  1. After entering your formula, the system will automatically calculate the total (e.g., 990 square feet).

  2. 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.