Formula API

Welcome to FactSet's Developer Portal, where you can learn all about our APIs and how they can help optimize your day-to-day workflows. On this page, you will find resources to help you understand how to use the Formula API outside of the FactSet Workstation. In addition, you can watch this video on how to use the request builder to make a Formula API request.   

1. Check to see if you are logged into the site. You can tell by checking if your USERNAME-SERIAL is present in the upper right corner of the site. If you are not logged in, log in using your FactSet.net ID. 


2. Setup authentication credentials. The Formula API leverages API Keys using Basic HTTP Authentication. Your USERNAME-SERIAL will be used as the username and the API Key you generate will be used as the password. Refer to the Authentication Guide for a step-by-step process on how to create and manage your API Key. 


3. Once you have created an API Key, navigate to the Formula API Developer Portal Page


4. When viewing the details of an API, scroll to the “API Definition” section and click the green “Authorize” button. 


5.  Enter your FactSet USERNAME-SERIAL and API key created earlier, then click the green "Authorize" button and close the popup. 


6. Select the Time-Series or Cross-Sectional Endpoint and click the "Try it out" button. 


7. Enter any parameters then click the blue “Execute” button at the bottom of the “Parameters” section. 


8. Scroll down and view the response under the “Responses > Server response” section.


9. You have now successfully authenticated and used the Formula API outside of the FactSet Workstation. You are now equipped to use the Formula API in your environment of choice. Below the “API Definition” section, there are sample notebooks and code snippets to get you started in the popular programming languages including Python and R. 


10. For any questions regarding the Formula API, you can use the “Report Issue” button at the top right of the Formula API Developer Portal Page. For more information on how to use the “Report Issue” Button, follow this guide