PROPORTIONAL
Keep the target proportions.
Distribution basisCurrent plan · Q1
The existing data determines the distribution.
MonthTarget valuesShareNew plan
Jan€200€300
Feb€500€750
Mar€300€450
New quarterly total€1,500
IBM PLANNING ANALYTICS · DATA SPREADING
Proportional or
relative proportional?
Two spreading methods in TM1. The difference: where do the proportions used to distribute your new plan value come from?
The short answer
Proportional uses the existing distribution in the target area. Relative proportional uses a reference distribution, such as the monthly proportions from the previous year.
Florian KaiserIBM Planning Analytics consultant
English transcript
What is the difference between proportional and relative proportional spread?
Proportional spread uses the existing data as the distribution key. For example, if January, February and March in the first quarter contain €100, €300 and €600, the proportions are 10, 30 and 60 percent. If you want to distribute €1,500 across the first quarter, the resulting values are €150, €450 and €900. This is the standard behaviour in TM1.
Relative proportional spread does not use the current distribution. It uses a reference distribution instead. For example, if the current quarter does not yet contain suitable data and you want to use the distribution from the first quarter of the previous year, you can do so with relative proportional spread.
If you distribute €1,500 using the distribution from the first quarter of the previous year, the resulting values are €150, €450 and €900.
To summarise:
Proportional spread uses the current distribution.
Relative proportional spread uses a reference distribution.
Would you like to see relative proportional spread in practice? I recommend the video linked below.
THE DISTRIBUTION BASIS MATTERS
Current proportions or a reference?
First choose the distribution that fits your plan. Then specify the amount you want to distribute.
| Decision | Proportional | Relative proportional |
|---|---|---|
| Distribution key | Existing values in the target area | Values beneath a reference cell |
| When to use it | Keep the current distribution. | Use a different distribution as a template, such as the previous year’s. |
| Choose a reference | Not required | Required |
| Starting point | A cell or a contiguous range of cells | A consolidated target cell; a reference with the same consolidations |
SAME AMOUNT · DIFFERENT DISTRIBUTION
1,500 euros. Two possible outcomes.
The current plan contains €200, €500 and €300 for January, February and March. On the left, these proportions stay the same. On the right, choose a reference and see how its monthly proportions change the new plan.
Change the amount and compare the results.
RELATIVE PROPORTIONAL
The reference sets the proportions.
Choose a sample reference. Its monthly values provide the proportions for your current plan.
MonthReference valuesShareNew plan
Jan€100€150
Feb€300€450
Mar€600€900
New quarterly total€1,500
IN PLANNING ANALYTICS WORKSPACE
From the target cell to the distribution.
Choose the target and method
Right-click to open “Spread data options”. For relative proportional spread, start from the consolidated target cell — the quarter in this example.
Set the amount and, if needed, the reference
Enter the new amount. For relative proportional spread, also select the reference cell. The target and reference must use the same consolidations.
Check the action and apply
Select “Replace” for this example. Check the affected area before clicking “Apply”. Then check the monthly values and their total.
A TYPICAL PLANNING SCENARIO
A new plan year. Established monthly proportions.
You are planning a new quarter that does not yet have a suitable distribution. You want to use the previous year’s proportions as a starting point. Relative proportional spread fits this scenario.
Select the previous year
Use a suitable reference with the distribution you want.
Specify a new total
You set the plan amount. It does not have to match the reference total.
Apply the proportions
The monthly proportions follow the reference. The original reference values remain the template.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Any questions?
Does relative proportional spread copy the reference amount?
The reference supplies the proportions. You specify the amount to distribute. For example, the “Previous year · Q1” reference has a total of €1,000, which you can use to distribute a new plan amount of €1,500.
Can I use the previous year’s distribution for my plan?
Yes, provided the reference uses the appropriate consolidations. Select the reference cell and the new target amount. Separately assess whether the previous year’s proportions suit your current plan.
Why can I not select “Relative proportional”?
This method requires a consolidated target cell. It is not available for an individual leaf cell. The menu offers methods based on the selected cell or range.
Is relative proportional spread the same as a percentage change?
No. This method distributes an amount using a reference distribution. Percentage change is a different spreading method that adjusts values by a percentage.
RELATED RESOURCES
Distribute values in TM1 with purpose.
Florian KaiserPlanning Analytics consultantFROM EXPLANATION TO PRACTICE
Would you like to simplify your planning in TM1?
Whether you want to distribute plan values, make data entry easier or improve existing workflows, I can help you implement your requirements in IBM Planning Analytics.
Discuss your project ↗Technical sources
Based on my video and the following IBM documentation. Checked on 19 September 2026.