Variables

Giving a name to a value makes it easier to refer back to it later. When you assign a name, you can change its value later and all references to that value change automatically. These names are called "variables", and you create them using =.

lunch = $12
dinner = $24
lunch + dinner

$12
$24
$36

In Figures, a variable can use multiple words and even emoji 🤩.

shrimp pasta 🍤 = $17
spaghetti and meatballs = $11
tax rate = 8%
shrimp pasta 🍤 + tax rate

$17
$11
8%
$18.36

Changing a Variable's Value

Once you change the value of a variable, all future calculations will use the new value.

appetizers = $9
main dish = $21
dessert = $6
appetizers + main dish + dessert

// Upgrade the dessert!
dessert = $10
appetizers + main dish + dessert

$9
$21
$6
$36


$10
$40

Variables must be assigned a value before they're used. If no value has been given, Figures will automatically ignore the name until it has a value.

my variable
my variable = 42
my variable

42
42

Line Variables

Figures can also create a variable that has no name using a "line variable". Drag a result from a previous line to create a line variable. Just like regular variables, the line variable's value updates automatically whenever the answer for that line changes.

If you prefer typing, you can also just type in the line you want to reference. Use the word line followed by the line number (no space between them). When you move the cursor or keep typing, the text will be converted to a line variable for you.

pi × 2
line1

6.28
6.28

If you'd like to lock in the value of a line variable so it won't change anymore, you can double-click it to convert it to regular text. If you prefer the keyboard, you can also select the line variable and press Return.

Explicit Variable Declaration

Variables are normally assigned using the simple method described above, but there are situations that require a more advanced method. Consider a case where you want to assign a new value for the constant pi. Since pi is defined by the system as a constant value, it can't be changed. Instead, use the word var before the assignment to create a new variable. The original value is still available by prefacing the name with the system sheet called Figures.

pi = 3
var pi = 3
pi × 2
Figures.pi × 2

●
3
6
6.28

You can create your own constant variables that cannot be changed by using the word let before the assignment. This can be useful when you want to be sure a variable isn't accidentally changed. A new variable is created just like with var, but an error will be displayed if it's assigned a new value.

let constant = 42
constant += 5

42
●

Case Sensitivity

Most names are not case sensitive. This means that typing abs(-1) and Abs(-1) gives the same result. There are some situations where the case can be important, though. For example, unit and prefix symbols can mean different things based on the case:

32 b  // bits
32 B  // bytes

12m  // meters
12M  // mega prefix

23y  // yocto prefix
23Y  // yotta prefix

32 b
32 B

12 m
12 million

2.3 × 10⁻²³
23 septillion

If you need to define a variable as case sensitive, add ^ to the end of the name when you define it. Figures will then only recognize the variable if the name matches exactly.

Dinner^ = $15
dinner
Dinner

$15

$15