Filemaker Pro Lesson

Report Writing:

Using the GetSummary Function

This exercise requires the file Registrations3.fp7.

If you need to calculate a value based on Summary fields, you must use the GetSummary function. A GetSummary function uses two arguments, the name of the summary field and a "break" field. The break field is the field used to group values together so that you can obtain summary values for a subset of records. For example, in our Registrations subsummary report, the "break" field for a GetSummary calculation to be placed in the subsummary part based on Event would be the "Event" field. Let's create a field that calculates the percentage of pledges represented by each event group.

1. Select File -> Define Fields. Create a calculated field named "Percent of Pledges". When the "Specify Calculation" dialog box appears, select the GetSummary function from the list of functions on the right then double click the "Total Pledges" summary field. Then type a comma and select the "Event" field. Be sure "Total Pledges, Event" is contained within the parentheses. Click on the "Divide by" operator. Now select the Get Summary function again from the list of functions. This time double click "Total Pledges", type a comma, then double click "Total Pledges" again. ( We want the percent of event pledges to total pledges.) Be sure "Total Pledges, Total Pledges" is contained within the second set of parentheses. Set the result to a number and click OK and Done.

2. Drag the new field to the right of "Total Pledges" in the Event subsummary part. Select Format -> Number and check the "Fixed Number of Decimal Digits" checkbox and type "2" in the number box. Then check the "Use Notation" checkbox and select Percent.

3. Select View -> Preview Mode to view the resulting layout.

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Last updated: 12/28/2004