> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://smartbooks.gitbook.io/smartbooks-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://smartbooks.gitbook.io/smartbooks-docs/data-models/financial-planning/formulas/previousquarter.md).

# PreviousQuarter()

The PreviousQuarter() function divides the year into four quarters—using period values 1, 2, or 3 for each month within a quarter—and retrieves the value from the corresponding period in the previous quarter. It serves as an alias for the Account() function with the period automatically set to reference the previous quarter.

## **Syntax:**

PreviousQuarter(account, cost\_center='cost\_center', view='view', module='module')

## **Parameters:**

* **account:** The account code or name. When referencing another account, enclose its code in quotes .
* **cost\_center:** The cost center code.
* **view:** Either 'ytd' or 'periodic'.
* **module:** The module alias.

## **Usage Example:**

* In the first month of a quarter, using PreviousQuarter() on account "9000" returns the corresponding period from the previous quarter (e.g., April → January): PreviousQuarter('9000')
* For a cross-account reference, to retrieve the previous quarter’s value from a different account: PreviousQuarter("4500")