---
title: "PREVIOUSOF function"
slug: "previousof-function"
description: "Use PREVIOUSBASE to return a previous cell value in a iteration Dimension of the base Metric. You can create multi-Metric iterative calculations. "
tags: ["formula syntax", "functions ", "Modeling and Formulas", "Pigment Blocks", "Pigment Boards", "PREVIOUSBASE"]
updated: 2025-10-29T13:17:58Z
published: 2025-10-29T13:17:58Z
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kb.pigment.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# PREVIOUSOF function

## Description

Returns the value of the previous cell in the iteration Dimension of any Metrics defined in the iterative calculation configuration. This function allows you to create multi-Metric iterative calculations.

> For more information on how to create iterative calculations involving multiple Blocks, see [Iterative Calculations Across Multiple Blocks using PREVIOUSOF](/v1/docs/iterative-calculations-using-previousof).
> 
> To fill another Metric with a prior Item when it’s not iterative and does not require circular referencing, see [SELECT modifier](/v1/docs/select-modifier).

## Syntax

```plaintext
PREVIOUSOF(Metric [, Offset])
```

## Arguments

| Argument | Type | Dimensions | Descriptions |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Metric (required) | Any | Any Dimension included in the Metric structure | The Metric on which you want to take the value of the previous cell in the iteration Dimension. Only Metrics defined in the iterative calculation settings are considered. See [Iterative Calculations Across Multiple Blocks using PREVIOUSOF](/v1/docs/iterative-calculations-using-previousof) for more information. Note: this Metric cannot be stored in the Security folder. |
| Offset (optional) | Integer or Metric | No Dimension or same as the Metric | Number of cells to offset. If an integer is chosen, the default value is: `1` If a Metric is chosen, it can have the same Dimensions as the current Metric or fewer. |

## Returns

| Type | Dimensions |
| --- | --- |
| Same as the Metric referenced within the function | Same as the Metric referenced within the function |

## Examples

| Formula | Description |
| --- | --- |
| `PREVIOUSOF('Ending Inventory')` | Returns the previous month value of the ‘Ending Inventory’ Metric with Month selected as Iteration Dimension. |

**Equivalent in Pigment (if not iterative and does not require circular referencing):** `'Metric'[SELECT: 'Iteration Dimension' - 1]`

> [!WARNING]
> ⚠️Important
> 
> The time taken by `PREVIOUSOF` computations is affected by three key factors:
> 
> - The number of Metrics in the configuration
> - The [density](/v1/docs/how-pigment-handles-blank-cells) of Metrics in the configuration
> - The size of the iterating Dimension
> 
> As these decrease, performance improves. `PREVIOUSOF` should only be used if there is a need for circular referencing in the model. See [SELECT modifier](/v1/docs/select-modifier) for alternatives that may improve performance.

## Limitations

`PREVIOUSOF()` does not support [Access Rights inheritance](/v1/docs/add-remove-access-rights-inheritance#add-or-remove-access-rights-inheritance-options-at-application-level).

## See Also

**Excel:** no equivalent

**Related articles:**

- [Iterative Calculations Across Multiple Blocks using PREVIOUSOF](/v1/docs/iterative-calculations-using-previousof)
- [PREVIOUS function](/v1/docs/previous-function)
- [Iterative Calculations Within a Block Using PREVIOUS](/v1/docs/iterative-calculations-using-previous)