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.

Frequency describes how often something happens across the timeline, such as monthly, quarterly or annually.

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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.

Related articles

• Editing Units

• Frequency Inputs

• Driver Frequency Rules

• Build a Dilution / Cap Table Impact Model