> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://oculon.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Relative time

> Use dynamic time references so formulas and reporting keep working as periods move forward.

Relative time lets you define periods in relation to the current model context instead of hard-coding one fixed month, quarter, or year. It keeps formulas, filters, and reporting views reusable as time moves forward.

![Relative time options in Oculon](https://mintcdn.com/oculon/VPBn_Cv6-GOeV3l9/images/getting-started/fr-relative-time.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=VPBn_Cv6-GOeV3l9\&q=85\&s=58b3c3a6d5982b13d3cfb4b02bcb5600)

## Why it matters

Hard-coded dates create extra maintenance. Relative time helps you avoid rewriting formulas and filters every time the model advances by one period.

Use it when the same business rule should keep working in each close cycle, forecast update, or recurring report.

## How relative time works in Oculon

In Oculon, relative time usually shows up through helper variables, modifiers, and time-aware formulas. Instead of saying "March 2026," you define the logic relative to the current period, the selected window, or the `Last actual date`.

This is especially useful when:

* the report should always show the current month or quarter
* a formula should look back one period
* a rolling window should keep moving forward
* a forecast should react differently before and after the [`Last actual date`](https://oculon.mintlify.site/docs-new/time/last-actual-date)

## Common patterns

Common relative time patterns include:

* `this month` or `this quarter`
* `previous month` or `previous quarter`
* `next quarter`
* `last 3`, `last 6`, or `last 12` periods
* `month 1`, `month 2`, and similar rolling references inside forecast logic

You do not need every model to use every pattern. The goal is to make repeated logic durable, not abstract for its own sake.

## Where to use it

Relative time is most helpful in:

* formulas that should stay valid after each close
* views and saved filters that should always show the latest relevant periods
* boards and comparisons that use rolling windows or current-period context

If the same time rule needs to work next month without manual edits, relative time is usually the better choice.

## Keep it readable

Relative time is powerful, but hidden offsets can be hard to review. To keep it understandable:

* use clear variable names
* keep helper variables small and focused
* explain business-critical time logic in the model description or related docs
* link users to [`Helper variables and modifiers`](https://oculon.mintlify.site/docs-new/formulas/helper-variables-and-modifiers) when the logic depends on built-in time helpers

## Common pitfalls

Watch for these issues:

* mixing hard-coded dates with rolling logic in the same formula
* assuming calendar time and fiscal time mean the same thing
* using a rolling window without labeling it clearly in a board or saved view
* hiding important cutoff logic instead of making the relationship to `Last actual date` explicit

## Related pages

* [Last actual date](https://oculon.mintlify.site/docs-new/time/last-actual-date)
* [Helper variables and modifiers](https://oculon.mintlify.site/docs-new/formulas/helper-variables-and-modifiers.md)
* [Time granularity](https://oculon.mintlify.site/docs-new/time/time-granularity.md)
* [Time best practices](https://oculon.mintlify.site/docs-new/time/time-best-practices.md)


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