Question 1

How do I use the OVER function in Spotfire?

Accepted Answer

The OVER function in Spotfire resets an aggregation to calculate over a specific set of columns. For example, Sum([Sales]) OVER ([Product]) calculates total sales per product. Use OVER to group aggregations independently from your visualization axis. Spotfire Helper can generate the exact expression for your use case.

Question 2

What is the difference between a calculated column and a custom expression in Spotfire?

Accepted Answer

A calculated column adds a new column to your data table and is evaluated row by row. A custom expression is used directly in visualizations and can include aggregations. Use calculated columns for row-level logic (IF, CASE, string operations) and custom expressions for aggregated metrics in charts.

Question 3

How do I fix a Spotfire expression that is not working?

Accepted Answer

Common Spotfire expression errors include mismatched data types, missing OVER statements for aggregations in calculated columns, and incorrect function syntax. Spotfire Helper can diagnose your broken expression. Paste your expression and describe the error to get a corrected version with an explanation.

Question 4

Is Spotfire Helper free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Spotfire Helper is completely free. It covers expressions, calculated columns, OVER statements, data functions, visualizations, and more.

Question 5

How does NEST work with OVER in Spotfire?

Accepted Answer

NEST combines two columns into a hierarchical grouping for use with OVER. For example, Sum([Sales]) OVER (NEST([Region], [Product])) calculates sales grouped first by Region, then by Product within each Region. NEST is essential for multi-level aggregations.

Question 6

How do I create a running total in Spotfire?

Accepted Answer

To create a running total in Spotfire, use the OVER function with the Intersect method and the Previous aggregation context. For example: Sum([Sales]) OVER (AllPrevious([Date])) calculates the cumulative sum of Sales ordered by Date. This works in custom expressions on visualization axes.

Question 7

How do I write an IF statement in a Spotfire calculated column?

Accepted Answer

In Spotfire calculated columns, use the If() function: If([Column] > 100, "High", "Low"). For multiple conditions, nest them: If([Value] > 100, "High", If([Value] > 50, "Medium", "Low")). You can also use Case When for cleaner multi-condition logic.

Question 8

What is the difference between All and Intersect in Spotfire OVER?

Accepted Answer

In Spotfire OVER statements, Intersect restricts the aggregation to the current grouping level (e.g., current row in a cross table), while All ignores the visualization grouping and calculates across all data. Use Sum([Sales]) OVER (All([Category])) to get total sales per category regardless of other axes.

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