Bucketing Custom Metrics | Experience Community
Skip to main content
Question

Bucketing Custom Metrics

  • February 9, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 15 views

jmborzick
QPN Level 5 ●●●●●
Forum|alt.badge.img+41

I have two data sources joined using the Data Modeler. There’s one field in each source that I want to compare and keep the lowest value. If I were in a spreadsheet, I’d just use a MIN function, but I’m not sure how to do this in Qualtrics.

As a workaround, I’m currently using a custom metric that multiplies the two values. This doesn’t give the minimum directly, but it produces a number that correlates with the lowest value.

For context, both fields have values from 0–3. Multiplying all combinations gives scores of: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 9.

  • A score of 0 means both values were 0

  • Scores of 1, 2, or 3 mean at least one value was 1

  • Scores of 4 or 6 mean at least one value was 2

  • A score of 9 means both values were 3

This approach gives me the information I need for the dashboard, and I can use conditional formatting to color-code the scores back to 0–3. However, dashboard viewers will still see the raw scores (0–9), which is confusing.

Is there a way in Qualtrics to bucket custom metrics into groups, or another method to compare two fields across different data sources and return the minimum value directly?

2 replies

Lpena
Qualtrics Employee
Forum|alt.badge.img+3
  • Qualtrics Employee
  • February 19, 2026

Hello, Jmborzick!

It sounds like you’re hitting a common wall with the Data Modeler! Since Qualtrics doesn't support complex IF statements in custom metrics quite like a spreadsheet does, getting that direct "minimum" value across joined sources is definitely tricky. Your current workaround of multiplying the fields is creative, but I totally get why the raw scores are confusing for your dashboard viewers.

One way to handle this is to create separate Min metrics for each field first, then try to compare those. Another route—though a bit more manual—is crafting a custom math formula that simulates a minimum function by using the difference between the two fields. If the results still aren't hitting the mark, you might need to preprocess that data or adjust the embedded fields at the survey level before they even reach the join. Adding some conditional formatting to your dashboard visuals can also help make those scores easier to digest in the meantime. 📊

Since this involves some specific data joining logic that might not be behaving as intended, it might be worth having a specialist take a look at your setup. You can get in touch with the team by logging into the Support Hub here: https://support-portal.qualtrics.com/. Just head to the "Get Technical Support" section to open up a ticket so they can dive into your specific Data Modeler configuration!

 


jmborzick
QPN Level 5 ●●●●●
Forum|alt.badge.img+41
  • Author
  • QPN Level 5 ●●●●●
  • February 20, 2026

Hi -

Thank you for the options. None of those worked for my specific need, but I was able to build a workaround using this custom formula:

 

=(60*(A+B) - (A-B)*(A-B)*(74 + (A-B)*(A-B)*((A-B)*(A-B) - 15))) / 120

 

That simulated the “min” function and returned values of 0-3, which appropriately matched the actual min values.