Estimating
Explain This Number
How Infrenta traces an estimate value back to source quantities, rates, formulas, dependencies, and assumptions so a reviewer can see where the number came from.
Updated 2026-08-22
Explain This Number answers a question estimators are asked constantly: *Where did this number come from?*
This inspector is available to invited users. Classic estimating remains the standard workspace. The methodology below describes how a compiled total can be opened when the inspector is enabled.
In Infrenta, that question is a first-class output of the calculation graph, not a comment in a cell.
What the trace contains
When a numeric root can be explained, the engine can return:
- the final amount with unit or currency
- the immediate formula that produced the root
- quantity and rate nodes when those roles exist
- dependencies — the upstream nodes the formula needed
- source information for quantity and rate
- revision and scenario context so the explanation is tied to a specific issued document
The point is not to generate a paragraph of marketing language. The point is to show the calculation path a reviewer can check.
Why this is different from a spreadsheet
A spreadsheet can contain a formula, but it does not reliably preserve:
- which revision produced the value
- whether the rate came from a quote, a resource library, or an override
- which other items share the same dependency
- whether an allowance is still an allowance
Explain This Number is built on those distinctions.
How to use it in review
- Select the total or item that looks surprising.
- Read the immediate formula before changing anything.
- Check whether quantity or rate is the actual driver.
- Follow dependencies into materials, crew, freight, or markup.
- Confirm the revision and scenario so you are not explaining yesterday’s graph.
Integrity
Explain This Number is only as honest as the graph. If a user overrides a node without recording it, the trace should still show an override rather than pretending the value is a pure method output. Estimate health checks exist to keep Explain This Number aligned with the persisted document after reload.