Creating Re-usable KPI Formulas

Build powerful, reusable metrics with spreadsheet-like formulas

KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) in Scoop are reusable metrics that go beyond default aggregations. Create precise calculations, combine data across datasets, and build sophisticated business metrics using familiar spreadsheet formulas.

Why Create KPIs?

CapabilityBenefit
Custom aggregationsSum, count, average, min, max with filters
Time-shifted metricsCompare to prior periods automatically
Cross-dataset calculationsCombine metrics from different sources
ReusabilityDefine once, use in any visualization
Drill-downClick KPI values to see underlying data

Types of KPIs

TypeDescriptionExample
Dataset KPIAggregates a single column with custom rulesSum of Amount where Stage = Won
Compound KPIFormula combining other KPIsWin Rate = Won Deals / Total Deals

Creating a KPI

Click the plus icon next to the KPIs header in the left panel:

Dataset KPIs

Dataset KPIs aggregate a column from a specific dataset with precise control over how the aggregation works.

Basic Setup

SettingDescription
NameDescriptive name for the KPI
DatasetWhich dataset to aggregate
ColumnWhich numeric column to calculate
Date ColumnWhich date to use for time-based analysis

Aggregation Options

AggregationWhen to UseExample
SumTotal valuesTotal Revenue
CountNumber of recordsNumber of Deals
Count DistinctUnique valuesUnique Customers
AverageMean valueAverage Deal Size
MinimumSmallest valueLowest Price
MaximumLargest valueHighest Score

Time Period Options

For time series analysis:

SettingOptions
PeriodDaily, Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, Yearly
TypeCalendar (Jan-Dec) or Rolling (trailing)

Filtering KPIs

Limit the KPI to specific records:

Filter TypeExample
Dimension filterStage = "Closed Won"
Date filterCreated Date >= 2024-01-01
Multiple conditionsRegion = "West" AND Size > $50K

Common Filtered KPIs

KPI NameBase ColumnFilter
Won RevenueAmountStage = "Closed Won"
Open PipelineAmountStage NOT IN ("Won", "Lost")
New CustomersCustomer ID (count distinct)Type = "New"
Enterprise DealsAmountSegment = "Enterprise"

Time-Shifted KPIs

Compare values to prior periods:

ShiftUse Case
1 month agoMonth-over-month comparison
1 quarter agoQuarter-over-quarter
1 year agoYear-over-year
1 period aheadNext period forecast

Building Period Comparisons

To create "% Change vs Last Month":

  1. Create KPI: "Revenue This Month" (current period)
  2. Create KPI: "Revenue Last Month" (shifted 1 month)
  3. Create Compound KPI: ('Revenue This Month' - 'Revenue Last Month') / 'Revenue Last Month'

Compound KPIs

Compound KPIs are formulas that combine other KPIs. Use familiar Excel syntax.

Formula Syntax

ElementSyntaxExample
Reference KPISingle quotes'Total Revenue'
OperatorsStandard math+ - * /
FunctionsExcel functionsIF(), SUM(), ROUND()

Common Compound KPIs

Ratios and Rates

KPIFormula
Win Rate'Won Deals' / ('Won Deals' + 'Lost Deals')
Conversion Rate'Converted Leads' / 'Total Leads'
Average Deal Size'Total Revenue' / 'Deal Count'

Period Comparisons

KPIFormula
MoM Growth('Revenue' - 'Revenue Last Month') / 'Revenue Last Month'
YoY Change'Revenue' - 'Revenue Last Year'
% of Target'Actual' / 'Target'

Cross-Dataset Calculations

KPIFormulaDatasets Used
Cost Per Lead'Marketing Spend' / 'Lead Count'Finance + Marketing
Revenue Per Employee'Total Revenue' / 'Employee Count'Sales + HR
CAC'Sales + Marketing Cost' / 'New Customers'Finance + CRM

Supported Functions

Most Excel functions work in Scoop:

CategoryFunctions
MathSUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, ABS, ROUND
LogicIF, AND, OR, NOT
TextCONCATENATE, LEFT, RIGHT, LEN
DateYEAR, MONTH, DAY, TODAY

Example: Conditional KPI

IF('Win Rate' >= 0.5, "Healthy", "At Risk")

Using KPIs in Visualizations

In Charts

KPIs can be used as:

  • Y-axis metrics
  • Secondary axes
  • Comparison lines

In Tables

KPIs appear as:

  • Summary columns
  • Calculated values
  • Conditional formatting sources

Drill-Down Behavior

When you click a KPI value in a chart or table:

ScenarioDrill Capability
Single dataset KPIDrill on any dimension
Compound KPIDrill on shared dimensions only

For compound KPIs, you can drill on:

  • Time dimensions (always available)
  • Dimensions common to all component KPIs

Best Practices

Naming Conventions

PracticeExample
Descriptive names"Won Revenue" not "Rev1"
Include time context"Monthly Active Users"
Indicate calculation"Win Rate (%)"

Organization

TipWhy
Group related KPIsEasier to find and maintain
Document complex formulasOthers can understand
Use consistent unitsAvoid confusion

Performance

ConsiderationRecommendation
Many KPIsFocus on most important
Complex formulasBreak into component KPIs
Large datasetsPre-aggregate where possible

Common KPI Patterns

Sales KPIs

KPIFormula/Setup
Pipeline ValueSum of Amount where Stage = Open
Closed WonSum of Amount where Stage = Won
Average Sales CycleAverage of Days in Pipeline
Pipeline CoveragePipeline Value / Quota

Marketing KPIs

KPIFormula/Setup
Lead CountCount of Lead ID
MQL RateMQL Count / Total Leads
Cost Per LeadMarketing Spend / Lead Count
Marketing ROIRevenue from Marketing / Marketing Spend

Customer Success KPIs

KPIFormula/Setup
Active UsersCount Distinct of User ID (last 30 days)
Churn RateChurned Customers / Total Customers
NPS ScoreAverage of NPS Response
Expansion RevenueSum of Upsell Amount

Support KPIs

KPIFormula/Setup
Ticket VolumeCount of Ticket ID
Resolution TimeAverage of Time to Close
First Response TimeAverage of Time to First Response
CSAT ScoreAverage of Satisfaction Rating

Troubleshooting

KPI Shows Unexpected Values

  • Verify filter conditions
  • Check date column selection
  • Confirm aggregation method

Compound KPI Errors

  • Ensure referenced KPIs exist
  • Check for division by zero
  • Verify KPI names in quotes

Drill-Down Not Working

  • For compound KPIs, drill limited to shared dimensions
  • Verify underlying KPIs have drill data

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