### Parentheses operators

Basic and Crystal syntax.

##### Usage

`(x + y) * z`

Performs the calculations inside the parentheses first.

Parentheses are used to control the order of precedence in which the Format Editor calculates a formula. In Basic syntax, they are also used as a string and array subscript.

##### Examples

The following examples are applicable to both Basic and Crystal syntax:

`8 + 6 * 3 - 6 / 2`

Returns 23.

`(8 + 6) * 3 - 6 / 2`

Returns 39.

`(8 + 6) * (3 - 6 / 2)`

Returns 0.

`(8 + 6 * 3 - 6) / 2`

Returns 10.

`{file.SALES} - {file.COGS} - {file.T&E} * .8`

Returns 1000, where SALES=25,000, COGS=12,000, and T&E=15,000.

`{file.SALES} - (({file.COGS} - {file.T&E}) * .8)`

Returns 27,400, where SALES=25,000, COGS=12,000, and T&E=15,000.

`({file.SALES} - {file.COGS} - {file.T&E}) * .8`

Returns -1,600, where SALES=25,000, COGS=12,000, and T&E=15,000.

###### Related topics

Most formula examples use this operator. Select the formula of interest from the Formulas In Action index.

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