> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.inforiver.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.inforiver.com/premium-table/formula-syntax/identifiers/relative_column.md). # RELATIVE\_COLUMN The RELATIVE\_COLUMN identifier returns the value of the column relative to the current column. ## Syntax ``` [Row1].Relative_Column(-1) ``` ## Arguments \[Row1] - Reference to a row The argument should be a negative number. ## Example The company is planning to add one more size as Extra Large from January 2014. The expected sales for each month are going to be the same as the previous month's value for the Large size. Relative\_Column points to the previous month’s value. January value will be applied for February and so on. Since we do not have December 2013 sales, January 2014 will be blank.

If you want to display a value instead of a blank, use IF and Group index as shown below.

Note that we have used this formula in a template row, so the Extra Large row gets inserted for each category as highlighted in yellow. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://docs.inforiver.com/premium-table/formula-syntax/identifiers/relative_column.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.