# 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 ![](https://1915029247-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-Lf0gWBnuB8M1SitWhyk%2Fuploads%2FPJg3IACejDNthrxR6MRC%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=cba0ab26-b099-4fc7-84f5-d86478997910) ## 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.

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](https://1915029247-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-Lf0gWBnuB8M1SitWhyk%2F-LgXajgPmzwKN7WIDmhe%2F-LgXbGIw24ybhnbSEBGq%2FScreen%20Recording%202019-06-04%20at%2004.09%20pm.gif?alt=media\&token=93fefba9-4665-4c54-ac15-04e1b5389c23) ### Variable renaming When you rename a variable, Soulver will offer to automatically update any lines that reference your variable to use the new name. To invoke this feature, simply move the cursor to another line, after editing the name of a variable on a variable declaration line.

## 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