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Creating a SQL Custom Expression

When creating a billable metric, you can choose between using a simple aggregation field or a custom expression. Custom expressions allow you to define more advanced computation logic, which is useful when the required aggregation involves complex calculations that Lago should handle.
To add a custom expression through the user interface:
  • Define the name and code for the billable metric;
  • Choose an aggregation type;
  • Select Custom expressions as the aggregation option instead of Unique field;
  • Enter your custom expression in the expanded side panel;
  • Test the custom expression; and
  • Save the billable metric.

Create a custom expression for a billable metric

Custom expressions can be used with any aggregation type except COUNT.

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Supported Expressions

A variety of SQL custom expressions are available for use. Here are a few examples:
  • Concatenation: CONCAT(event.properties.user_id, '-', event.properties.app_id)
  • Math operations: (event.properties.cpu_number * 25 * event.properties.duration_msec) + (event.properties.memory_mb * 0.000001 * event.properties.duration_msec)
  • Rounding: ROUND(event.properties.duration_msec * 1000)
You can find the full list of supported expressions below: If you need a custom expression that isn’t supported by default in Lago, feel free to contact our team or consider contributing to the open-source version.

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Event attributes

Lago expressions may include the following event attributes:
  • event.code (event code)
  • event.timestamp (event timestamp)
  • event.properties.[property_name] (event property)
For example, event.properties.my_property is a valid event attribute.

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Atoms

Lago expressions may include atoms:
  • 123 (integer)
  • 123.45 (decimal)
  • 'Hello, world!' (string)

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Operators

Lago expressions may include basic operators:
  • + (addition)
  • - (subtraction)
  • * (multiplication)
  • / (division)
  • unary minus (-12)

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Functions

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CONCAT

The CONCAT function is used to concatenate two or more strings. 
CONCAT(str1, str2[,strs,...])
Parameters:
  • str1: The first string to concatenate
  • str2: The second string to concatenate
  • strs: (Optional) Additional strings to concatenate.
Returns: A string with the concatenated strings. Examples:
  • CONCAT(event.properties.user_id, '-', event.properties.app_id)

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ROUND

The ROUND function is used to round a number to a specified number of decimal places. 
ROUND(value, precision)
Parameters:
  • value: The number to round
  • precision: (Optional) Number of decimal places. Defaults to 0.
Returns: A number rounded to the specified precision. Examples:
  • ROUND(14.2355) returns 14
  • ROUND(14.2355, 0) returns 14
  • ROUND(14.2355, 2) returns 14.24
  • ROUND(14.2355, -1) returns 10

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FLOOR

The FLOOR function is used to round a number down to the nearest integer. 
FLOOR(value, precision)
Parameters:
  • value: The number to round
  • precision: (Optional) Number of decimal places. Defaults to 0.
Returns: A number rounded down to the specified precision. Examples:
  • FLOOR(16.2365) returns 16
  • FLOOR(16.2365, 0) returns 16
  • FLOOR(16.2365, 2) returns 16.23
  • FLOOR(16.2365, -1) returns 10

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CEIL

The CEIL function is used to round a number up to the nearest integer. 
CEIL(value, precision)
Parameters:
  • value: The number to round
  • precision: (Optional) Number of decimal places. Defaults to 0.
Returns: A number rounded up to the specified precision. Examples:
  • CEIL(14.2345) returns 15
  • CEIL(14.2345, 0) returns 15
  • CEIL(14.2345, 2) returns 14.24
  • CEIL(14.2345, -1) returns 20

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Testing your SQL Custom Expression

Lago provides a testing tool to help you validate the custom expressions you’ve created. A sample event is used to test your expression. You can override any field in the test event. If your custom expression is incorrect, Lago will return an error, and you won’t be able to save it until it’s valid. Keep the following in mind:
  • You can dynamically reference any event field within your expression; and
  • Use precise paths to reference fields accurately. For instance, to use the event timestamp, the path is event.timestamp. To reference a custom property sent with the event, the path is event.properties.your_field.

Test your custom expression