# How to Enter Values

This article explains how to **enter values** into Model Reef input fields.

You will learn:

* Where you can type values directly.
* How manual values interact with presets and formulas.
* How Model Reef treats value edits across the model timeline.

Values are usually entered or edited in the Variable Editor and some driver inputs.

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### Where you can type values

You can type numeric values directly in:

* The **time series grid** inside the Variable Editor.
* Some fields in the Driver Editor.
* Certain summary fields that feed a preset (for example a base value before escalation).

If a field is editable, it will accept focus when clicked and show a cursor.

Read only fields:

* Are often greyed out or show as calculated.
* Cannot be overwritten directly.
* Are the result of formulas, imports or other logic.
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### Entering a single value

To set the same value in one period:

* Click the cell for the period you want to edit.
* Type the new numeric value.
* Press Enter or move focus away.

The model updates the time series for that period only and recalculates all downstream outputs.
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### Filling multiple periods with the same value

In many grids you can:

* Type a value in the first period and use a fill or copy behaviour to extend it across later periods.
* Use keyboard shortcuts (for example copy and paste) to duplicate values across ranges.

This is useful for simple flat assumptions such as a constant rent or subscription cost.

The exact fill mechanics are interface specific, but the key behaviour is:

* Each period holds a value.
* When you fill across, each target period is assigned that value.
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### Interaction with presets and formulas

If a variable uses a **preset** or **formula**:

* Manual edits may be disabled for the derived series.
* Or manual edits may override the preset for specific periods, depending on configuration.

General rules:

* When a custom formula is active, the time series is derived from the formula for all periods. Manual entry is not available unless you switch back to a manual mode.
* When a preset is active, some presets allow manual overrides while others do not. The editor will indicate whether manual cells are editable.

If you need fully manual control, choose a manual input mode for that variable.
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### Units and scaling when entering values

Values are stored in base units, but the display may be scaled (for example thousands or millions).

When entering values:

* Pay attention to the display units shown in the Units and bounds panel.
* If the field shows values in thousands, typing `10` means ten thousand in base units.
* Changing display units later does not change the underlying stored values.

Use consistent units across related variables to avoid confusion.
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### Validation and out of range values

When you type a value, Model Reef may:

* Flag it if it is outside configured bounds.
* Show a warning if it looks unrealistic compared to historical patterns.
* Reject non numeric input.

Warnings help catch data entry mistakes, but they do not automatically decide whether a value is correct. You can still override bounds if necessary, depending on configuration.
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### Impact of value changes

Every value you enter or change:

* Immediately updates the variable's time series.
* Reflows into P\&L, Balance Sheet, Cashflow and Cash Waterfall.
* Updates dashboards, charts and valuations for the scenario.

Use the preview views and dashboards to confirm that your value edits have the effect you expect.
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***

## Related articles

* [Understanding the Interface](/syntax/understanding-the-interface.md)
* [Units & Bounds Panel](/syntax/understanding-the-interface/units-and-bounds-panel.md)
* [Seasonality & Schedules](/help/drivers-variables-and-timing/seasonality-and-schedules.md)
* [Build a Cash Waterfall Model](/how-tos/core-modelling/build-a-cash-waterfall-model.md)


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