When using ODD, the most common questions fall into 3 areas: formula errors, result interpretation, and scenario fit; this FAQ includes 3 practical answers.
FAQ
What should I check if the ODD function returns an error?
- Check whether the formula is complete, including the closing parenthesis.
- Confirm that the argument is a numeric value or a field that can be calculated as a number.
- If you referenced another field, make sure that field contains data suitable for numeric calculation.
How does ODD handle negative numbers?
- ODD does not simply remove the minus sign.
- It rounds away from zero, so a negative input becomes a negative odd integer with a greater absolute value when needed.
- Test a few sample values first if you plan to combine ODD with other formulas.
Is ODD the same as checking whether a number is odd?
- No. ODD rounds a value to an odd-number result.
- If you need to test whether a value is odd, build that logic with a different formula design.
- Decide whether your goal is rounding or checking before building the field.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| ODD | A numeric function that rounds an input value to the nearest odd integer away from zero. |
| Formula field | A calculated field in a multi-dimensional table that returns results automatically from an expression. |
| Argument | The input inside a function, which can be a fixed value or a referenced field value. |