> 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/metrics/creating-metrics.md).

# Creating Metrics

You can create metrics in Smartbooks by following these steps:

1. **Navigate to the Custom Metrics Section**
   * Go to your Business Model and select **Custom Metrics**.
   * Locate the **Metrics** folder within this section.
2. **Access the Options Menu**

   * Click the three dots on the right side of the Metrics folder to open the options menu.
   * From here, you have two options:

   **2a. Create a New Subfolder**

   * **Purpose:** Organize related metrics into subfolders for better structure and management.
   * **Details Required:** Provide a **Description** and a **Unique Code**. The code must be unique to avoid conflicts.

   **2b. Create a New Metric**

   * **Purpose:** Add a single metric for tracking a specific KPI or calculation.
   * **Details Required:**
     * **Unique Code:** A distinct identifier used to reference this metric in formulas.
     * **Description:** A brief explanation of what the metric represents.
     * **Type of Account:** Specify whether the metric is classified as Income, Expense, Asset, Liability, or General. In the General settings, you can define your own number format and determine how Year-to-Date (YTD) numbers are calculated.
     * **Source for Actuals:** Define how real-world data is captured or calculated. Options include:
       * **Not Used:** Actual or planning data will not be utilized for this metric or account.
       * **Input:** Allows manual entry of actual or planning data.
       * **Formula:** Uses a formula to calculate actual or planning data.
       * **Actual Account:** Pulls data from an existing, connected GL or source system account.
     * **Source for Planning:** Determines how planning data is input or calculated for the metric.
3. **Configuring Metrics with Business Dimensions**
   * When business dimensions are enabled in Smartbooks, adjust the additional setting under **Planning Details Level**:
     * **Total:** Planning is performed at an overall level, and business dimensions will not be used in the planning process.
     * **Contributing Members:** Planning input is enabled at the business dimension level. The inputs entered for individual dimensions are aggregated to produce a total value.
   * Choose the appropriate setting based on whether you want data input and planning to incorporate business dimensions or be calculated at an overall level.

By following these steps, you can effectively set up and configure new metrics in Smartbooks, ensuring that your KPIs and calculations are tailored to your business needs.