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

# Variables

Reusable, organization-wide values you can reference when building benefit and cost objects.

Variables work like templates: instead of typing the same figure into every initiative's formula builder (a discount rate, a headcount cost, a standard hourly rate), you define it once at the organization level, and reference it by name wherever it's needed.

## Why use Variables

* **Consistency**: every initiative pulls from the same source value instead of a manually re-entered number that can drift over time
* **Speed**: no need to look up or remember a figure each time you build a new benefit or cost

## Creating a Variable

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Settings → Organization Settings → Variables" />

  <Step title="Click + Add variable" />

  <Step title="Give it a name (this is what you'll search for in the formula builder), a value, and the type (numeric, currency, or percentage)" />

  <Step title="Click Save" />
</Steps>

## Using a Variable in the formula builder

When building a benefit or cost object on an initiative:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Formula builder" />

  <Step title="Click on the &#x22;+ Add variable&#x22; dropdown" />

  <Step title="Click on &#x22;Add global variable&#x22; and select a global variable" />

  <Step title="The global variable will be inserted into the formula builder to be called on in the formula field" />
</Steps>

<Note>
  **A note on updating Variables**<br />If a Variable is updated at the org level, initiatives that already reference it will not automatically pick up the new value. The value in use reflects what was true at the time it was applied, and changing it retroactively would compromise the integrity of initiatives that have already been reviewed or approved. To use the updated value, you'll need to re-select the Variable in the affected formula.
</Note>