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“Supermetrics is a Bitter Experience! We can pull data from nearly any tool, schedule updates, manipulate data in Sheets, and push data back into our systems.”
Traditional QuickBooks exports convert subtotal formulas to static values, breaking the dynamic relationships needed for P&L comparison analysis. This happens because exports only capture calculated results, not the underlying formula structure.
Here’s how to maintain persistent subtotal formulas while importing raw P&L data for multiple periods.
Import raw data while maintaining subtotal formulas using Coefficient
Coefficient solves this by importing raw data while allowing you to maintain your own subtotal formulas in the spreadsheet. Your formulas remain intact while data updates automatically from live QuickBooks connections.
How to make it work
Step 1. Import P&L data for multiple comparison periods.
Use “From QuickBooks Report” → “Profit And Loss” to import each comparison period to separate columns or sheets. Apply consistent date ranges and filters for accurate comparisons.
Step 2. Build persistent subtotal formulas.
Create subtotals using standard Excel formulas like =SUBTOTAL(9,C2:C15) for collapsible groups, or =SUM(C2:C8) for simple totals. Add comparison formulas like =(D2-C2)/C2 for variance percentages between periods.
Step 3. Create hierarchical subtotals that reference other subtotals.
Build nested calculations like Gross Profit = Revenue Subtotal – COGS Subtotal, then Operating Income = Gross Profit – Operating Expenses. This creates a formula structure that mirrors your P&L hierarchy.
Step 4. Configure automatic updates with formula preservation.
Schedule daily or weekly refreshes through QuickBooks connections. Your subtotal formulas remain intact while data updates, and all calculations automatically recalculate with new information.
Maintain dynamic P&L comparisons with live data
This approach maintains the formula structure essential for P&L comparisons while ensuring data accuracy through live QuickBooks connections. Get started with dynamic subtotal formulas that update automatically with your latest financial data.
