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Get started with Calcs Builder in just 5 minutes! This guide will walk you through creating your first calculation template using the classic Pythagoras theorem.

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Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:
  • A Calcs.com account with Calcs Builder access
  • Basic familiarity with engineering calculations
  • A web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)

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Step 1: Access Calcs Builder

  1. Log into Calcs.com
  2. Navigate to Calcs Builder
    • Click on “Calculator Builder” in the main navigation
  3. Create New Template
    • Click “Create a new calculator”

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Step 2: Set Up Your Template

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Basic Information

At the top of the page you can enter:
  • Template Name: “Pythagoras Calculator”
  • Description: “Calculate the hypotenuse of a right triangle using the Pythagorean theorem”

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Template Structure

  • Sections: Create a section called “Triangle Dimensions”

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Step 3: Add Your Input Widgets

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First Input Widget (Side ‘a’)

  1. Add an Input Widget
    • Click “Add Widget” → “Input”
  2. Configure the Input
    • Label: “Side a”
    • RefID: a (Important: This is the internal reference name)
    • Symbol: a (This is what displays in equations)
    • Units: “m” (or leave blank)
    • Default Value: 3

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Second Input Widget (Side ‘b’)

  1. Add another Input Widget
    • Click “Add Widget” → “Input”
  2. Configure the Input
    • Label: “Side b”
    • RefID: b (Important: This is the internal reference name)
    • Symbol: b (This is what displays in equations)
    • Units: “m” (or leave blank)
    • Default Value: 4

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Step 4: Add Your Equation Widget

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Hypotenuse Calculation (Side ‘c’)

  1. Add an Equation Widget
    • Click “Add Widget” → “Equation”
  2. Configure the Computation
    • Label: “Hypotenuse c”
    • RefID: c (Important: This is the internal reference name)
    • Symbol: c (This is what displays in equations)
    • Formula: sqrt(a^2+b^2)
    • Units: “m” (or leave blank - n.b. the units for the equation widget need to match what is expected from the units of the inputs, so if you multiply m*m you would need to specify m^2 in the equation to avoid an error. This is done to ensure units come out as you expect and prevent hidden issues.)
Important: RefID vs SymbolCurrent Workaround Required: The current version of Calcs Builder requires you to specify both RefID and Symbol for each widget.
  • RefID: This is the internal reference name used by all widgets to refer to each other in equations. It must be a simple identifier (no special characters or operators).
  • Symbol: This is what displays in equations and can include mathematical notation.
Why This Matters:
  • In equations, widgets reference each other using their RefID
  • But they display using their Symbol
  • For example, if you want to display c² in equations, you can’t use c^2 as the RefID because the math engine won’t know if you’re referencing variable c and squaring it, or if c^2 is the actual variable name Calcs Builder variable definition interface showing RefID and Symbol fields
Future Improvement: We’re working on autocomplete with symbols and labels using pills to eliminate this requirement, but for now, please set both RefID and Symbol appropriately.

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Step 5: Test Your Calculation

  1. Preview the template
  • Click the preview button top right to see it in action
  1. Enter Test Values
    • Input side a = 3 units
    • Input side b = 4 units
    • Verify the hypotenuse c calculates to 5 units (classic 3-4-5 triangle)
  2. Validate Results
    • Check that the calculation works as expected
    • Test with different input values (e.g., a=5, b=12 should give c=13)

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Step 6: Save and Publish

  1. Save Your Template
  • Your work with automatically save as you go along in draft format
    • To share with teammates or use in real projects, click “Save/Publish”
    • Add any notes or comments

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Congratulations! 🎉

You’ve created your first Calcs Builder template! This basic example demonstrates the core workflow:
  • Inputs → Collect user data (sides a and b)
  • Calculations → Process the data (Pythagorean theorem)
  • Outputs → Display results (hypotenuse c)

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Next Steps

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Learn More

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Common Next Steps

  1. Add Lookup Widgets - Reference material properties or standard values
  2. Include Validatio Checksn - Ensure inputs are within acceptable ranges
  3. Add Diagrams - Visualize the calculation
  4. Create Reports - Generate professional output

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Need Help?

Ready to build something more complex? Check out our Common Workflows for real-world examples.