# Editing Frequency

This article explains how to edit frequency for variables and drivers in Model Reef.

You will learn:

* How frequency relates to the model's base periodicity.
* Where to change frequency settings.
* How frequency affects accruals, cash and driver shapes.

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Frequency describes how often something happens across the timeline, such as monthly, quarterly or annually.
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### Model base periodicity versus frequency

Each model has a **base periodicity**, for example monthly or weekly. This is the grid on which all calculations run.

Frequency settings on variables and drivers control patterns within that grid, such as:

* Every period.
* Every second period.
* Once per year.
* Quarterly or semi-annual patterns.

Frequency tells the engine which periods to populate with values.
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### Where to edit frequency

You typically edit frequency in:

* The **Timing modal** for a variable, under accrual or payment frequency settings.
* Some driver editors where you define recurring patterns or schedules.

Frequency settings can be combined with schedules and seasonality for complex patterns.
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### Common frequency options

Common options include:

* Every period (for example every month in a monthly model).
* Every N periods (for example every three months).
* Annual, using a specific month as the anchor.
* One off, where only a single period is active.

The interface may offer these as dropdown choices or as part of a schedule builder.
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### Effect on accrual and cash patterns

Changing frequency alters how values are distributed across time:

* A monthly cost with annual frequency becomes a single larger cost once per year.
* A quarterly payment broken into monthly frequency will spread the amount.
* Interest or tax payments can be modelled with a different frequency to the underlying accrual.

The model recomputes P\&L, Balance Sheet and Cashflow based on the new pattern.
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### Drivers and frequency

For drivers, frequency controls how often the driver has explicit values:

* You might define an annual driver with one value per year and let the engine spread or interpolate across months.
* Alternatively, you might define monthly drivers for finer control.

Choosing the right frequency is a trade off between detail and simplicity.
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### Validating frequency changes

After changing frequency:

* Check the time series for the variable or driver to ensure the pattern matches expectations.
* Review key outputs (for example cash tax payments, interest, rent) to see if timing is correct.
* Adjust schedules or seasonality if necessary to refine the pattern.

Frequency is a powerful lever for shaping model behaviour without rewriting formulas.
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## Related articles

* [Editing Units](/syntax/how-input-fields-work/editing-units.md)
* [Frequency Inputs](/syntax/timing-syntax/frequency-inputs.md)
* [Driver Frequency Rules](/help/drivers-variables-and-timing/driver-frequency-rules.md)
* [Build a Dilution / Cap Table Impact Model](/how-tos/investment-and-transactions/build-a-dilution-cap-table-impact-model.md)


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