Select the right data combination
Open your cube view and check the version, year, region and measure. Select the consolidated cell whose total you want to change. The video uses worldwide iced-tea sales volume for 2026.
IBM PLANNING ANALYTICS · DATA SPREADING
Proportional spread.
The same proportions.
Proportional spread in TM1 distributes a new value using the existing data. Planning Analytics allocates this value to the underlying data in the same proportions as before.
The short answer
When you enter a new value in a writable consolidated cell, TM1 distributes it proportionally by default. The existing values determine the proportions.
Florian KaiserIBM Planning Analytics consultant
Read the English transcript
Here is how to distribute data in Planning Analytics. Open the cube you want to work with. In my Sales cube, I want to increase worldwide sales volume for the iced-tea category in 2026 from 3.4 million to 4 million. I select the required data combination and open the spreading menu with a right-click.
The menu shows the available methods. I choose proportional spreading. I can enter the value in the dialog or overwrite the existing total with my new target. Planning Analytics distributes the change proportionally across the underlying members. The adjusted values now add up to 4 million.
CHANGE THE TOTAL
One target. Three new values.
A simplified iced-tea example with three products: existing values total 3.4 million units. Change the target and see how it is distributed.
The proportions stay at 50%, 30% and 20%.
| Iced tea | Before | Share | New plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product A | 1,700,000 | 50 % | 2,000,000 |
| Product B | 1,020,000 | 30 % | 1,200,000 |
| Product C | 680,000 | 20 % | 800,000 |
| Total | 3,400,000 | 100 % | 4,000,000 |
IN PLANNING ANALYTICS WORKSPACE
From target to distribution.
Enter the new value directly
Enter the new total directly in the selected writable consolidated cell. TM1 distributes it proportionally by default, using the existing values – there is no need to open the data spreading dialog. Alternatively, right-click to open the spreading options, choose Proportional and Replace, and enter the new total there.
Apply and check the result
Apply the entry and expand the underlying members. Check the new total and individual values. In the video, the adjusted values add up to 4 million.
CHOOSE YOUR DISTRIBUTION
Do the existing proportions still fit?
Use proportional spread when you want to change the total while retaining the existing proportions.
Keep the proportions.
A product with a 50% share receives half of the new total.
Use a reference.
If last year should supply the proportions, use relative proportional spread.
Check the target.
Version, period and write permissions determine where your entry can take effect.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Any questions?
Can I enter the value directly in the total cell?
Yes, as shown in the video: on a suitable writable consolidation, you can overwrite the existing value with a new total. The spreading dialog lets you explicitly choose the method and update action.
What if all existing values are zero?
There are no existing proportions in that case. With the ProportionSpreadToZeroCells database parameter enabled, TM1 uses an equal spread from the consolidation instead. This parameter is enabled by default; if disabled, the operation can fail.
Why are some cells not changing as expected?
First check the selected data combination, write permissions, rule-calculated values and held cells. These can constrain spreading. The example on this page uses writable values without holds.
How do I use last year’s proportions instead?
Use relative proportional spread: a reference provides the proportions. Proportional spread uses the existing target values instead. Compare the methods ↗
KEEP LEARNING
Find the right spreading method.
Florian KaiserPlanning Analytics consultantSUPPORT FOR YOUR TM1 MODEL
Fewer manual entries. Simpler planning.
Want to distribute values where they belong and reduce manual data entry? I can help you tailor input forms and spreading logic in IBM Planning Analytics to your planning needs.
Discuss your project ↗Technical sources
Based on my video and the following IBM documentation.