---
title: "Spread function"
description: "Distribute total amounts across rows using distribution keys to save time."
lang: en
languages:
  en: https://docs.vismasoftware.no/onestopreporting/budgeting/budget/report/edit-budget-data/spreading/index.md
  no: https://docs.vismasoftware.no/no/onestopreporting/budgeting/budget/report/edit-budget-data/spreading/index.md
lastmod: 2026-05-08
---

> Documentation index: https://docs.vismasoftware.no/onestopreporting/budgeting/budget/report/edit-budget-data/llms.txt


# Spread function

Last modified May 8, 2026

> Distribute total amounts across rows using distribution keys to save time.


Instead of manually entering data, you can use the **Spread** function to enter calculated values based on the total amount you want to be distributed across the cells in a row. You can, for example, spread 24000 across 12 periods (months) using the distribution rule **Even**, so the value of each cell in a 12 month period is set to 2000. The default distribution rule is **Even**, but you can create custom distribution rules to spread the amount differently. You can also use spread based on the comparable data set up in the budget template.

> [!TIP]
> This method can also be used to spread an amount across a line item detail. See [Add line item details](https://docs.vismasoftware.no/onestopreporting/budgeting/budget/report/edit-budget-data/add-line-item-details/index.md).

To spread an amount across a row (main line):

1. In the open budget template, click any cell in the row you want to edit.
2. Click the arrow next to **Spreading and Line item details** at the bottom of the spreadsheet. The name and row number of the selected row is displayed at the top of the **Spreading** pop-up window.
3. If the **Spread** function is not visible, click ![](https://docs.vismasoftware.no/onestopreporting/shared-images/img/en/LID.png) in the top-right corner of the **Spreading** pop-up window.
4. Enter the amount in the **Spread amount** field.
5. Select a rule in the **Using distribution rule** list.
6. (optional) Select a line item detail. See [Add line item details](https://docs.vismasoftware.no/onestopreporting/budgeting/budget/report/edit-budget-data/add-line-item-details/index.md).
7. Click **Spread**. The amount is spread across the row according to the selected rule.
8. (optional) Repeat steps 4-7 to spread additional amounts across other line items.


---

[View this page](https://docs.vismasoftware.no/onestopreporting/budgeting/budget/report/edit-budget-data/spreading/)