Variables

Declaring variables

Declare a variable with the equals symbol '='.

discount = 10%                         | 10%
cost = $550                            | $550
cost - discount                        | $495.00  

A variable can be a single word, or an entire phrase.

Global variables

To declare variables that works across all sheets, go to Settings > Calculator > Global Variables and add a new variable by clicking the plus button.

Redefining variables

A variable can be redefined by giving it a new value.

The most recently defined value will be used on subsequent lines.

monthly rent = $1,900 // 2018      | $1,900
monthly rent = $2,150 // 2019      | $2,150                                   
monthly rent / 4 people            | $537.50

Variables can be added to and subtracted from

Use the += and -= operators to modify the value of a variable

Tips for working with variables

Peeking at a variable's value

On Mac, peek at a variable's value by holding down the shift key, and hovering over the variable.

Peeking at a variable value on Mac

On iPad & iPhone, select a variable to peek at its value.

Peeking at a variable value on iPad & iPhone

Auto-completing variable names

Instead of typing out a long variable name, you can press the escape key and then press return to quickly insert the entire variable name.

Press escape to autocomplete long variable names

Variable renaming

Soulver can automatically update any lines that reference a variable when you rename it.

This is off by default — turn on Automatically rename local variables in Settings > Variables. With it enabled, rename a variable on its declaration line and move the cursor to another line; the referencing lines update to the new name automatically.

Things to note about variable declarations

Variables must be declared before use

You can't reference a variable before it has been declared.

This behaviour is consistent with how variables work in programming languages (but differs from Soulver 2).

Currency rounding does not apply to variable declaration lines

When you declare a variable in a currency, it will be displayed without rounding so it's unambiguous what the actual value stored in the variable is.

When used on subsequent lines, currency rounding will apply like usual.

It's clear what the actual value of "cost per day is"

Variable declarations can be excluded from the floating total

Use the View > Total options menu to configure whether the floating total should include or exclude variable declaration lines