--- title: How do I Create a new cycle from scratch in Pequity? description: Create a new cycle from scratch with Pequity --- [Skip to content](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/how-do-i-create-a-new-cycle-from-scratch-in-pequity#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [More support](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) ![Logo (1)](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo%20(1).png?width=202&height=50&name=Logo%20(1).png) - [Pequity](https://pequity.com/) - [Platform](https://pequity.com/solutions) - [Blog](https://blog.pequity.com/) - [Login](https://pequity.app/login) - [Get a demo](https://pequity.com/contact) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Pequity](https://pequity.com/) - [Platform](https://pequity.com/solutions) - [Blog](https://blog.pequity.com/) - [Login](https://pequity.app/login) - [Get a demo](https://pequity.com/contact) - English Show submenu for translations - [More support](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/kb-tickets/new) - Contact us Contact us How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Support Center](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support?hsLang=en) 2. [Pequity Features & Workflows](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/pequity-features-workflows?hsLang=en) # How do I Create a new cycle from scratch in Pequity? ## Create a new cycle in Pequity using data imports! **This feature allows you to create a new compensation cycle within Pequity.** ![](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jan-29-2026-08-32-39-7116-PM.png?width=670&height=423&name=image-png-Jan-29-2026-08-32-39-7116-PM.png) **Steps:** 1. Navigate to your Comp Cycle homepage and click the **Create Comp Cycle** button 2. Enter a name for your new cycle - Note: You can rename your cycle at any time, so don't worry if you haven't finalized the name yet 3. Click **Create** Once created, you'll be automatically redirected to your new cycle's page.   **The next step is to determine the compensation elements for this cycle.** ![](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jan-29-2026-08-33-54-1841-PM.png?width=738&height=471&name=image-png-Jan-29-2026-08-33-54-1841-PM.png)   *What are Comp Elements?*   In Pequity, comp elements are the individual building blocks that make up an employee's total compensation package in a cycle. Think of them as the categories of pay you're planning for. Each cycle can be configured with one or more comp elements depending on what your organization manages.   *Steps:* 1. Navigate to the cycle's *Settings* page 2. In the *General* tab, select the comp elements that will be budgeted for in the cycle - Note: You can rename and/or repurpose comp elements as needed 3. Configure your budgeting preferences: - Choose whether to enable budgeting for this cycle - Update the currency that will be used for budgeting 4. Click *Save Settings* at the bottom of the page **Setting Up Planning Groups** *![](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jan-29-2026-08-36-59-5943-PM.png?width=1401&height=217&name=image-png-Jan-29-2026-08-36-59-5943-PM.png)*   Planning groups in Pequity let you assign employees into specific groups for easier review and approval during a compensation cycle.   *Steps:* 1. Prepare your CSV import file with the following columns: Required Headers: - *planning\_group* - The groups that will be assigned to waves and employees. These should match the groups in your census - *Planner* - Email addresses of users assigned as planners for the planning groups - Use semicolons (;) to separate multiple email addresses - *Planning Partner* - Email addresses of users assigned as planning partners for the planning groups - Use semicolons (;) to separate multiple email addresses Optional Headers: - *Other roles* - Additional roles like HRBP or Communication, depending on your setup - Use semicolons (;) to separate multiple email addresses - *Budget and Budget rollup* - Budget information specific to each compensation element **Assigning Discretionary Funds and Budget Rollups** **![](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jan-29-2026-08-38-18-1249-PM.png?width=495&height=396&name=image-png-Jan-29-2026-08-38-18-1249-PM.png)** If you would like to assign discretionary funds and budget rollups per group, you can use the *comp\_element \[fund\]* and *comp\_element \[rollup\]* headers in your CSV file.   ![](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jan-29-2026-09-09-14-0319-PM.png?width=1383&height=388&name=image-png-Jan-29-2026-09-09-14-0319-PM.png) These values will appear in the *Planning Hierarchy* tab under *Additional Budget* (per element) and *Rollup Group*. Available Headers: - *comp\_element \[fund\]* - Assigns a discretionary fund amount to the compensation element for each planning group - Enter as a decimal value (e.g., 50000) - *comp\_element \[rollup\]* - Defines which planning group the current group's budget should roll up to Note: These are the default headers available for each comp element.   **Uploading Your Planning Groups File**   1. Navigate to the *Import* tab in your cycle's *Settings* page 2. Select or drag and drop your completed CSV file 3. Click the *Upload Planning Group CSV* button Note: Planning groups will not appear in the *Planning Hierarchy* tab until at least one employee has been assigned to them. *Pro Tip:* Assign yourself as a planner during testing so you can simulate the exact experience planners will have. Once you're ready to launch, switch your role to planning partner—this way, you can still preview and validate what planners see after the cycle goes live.   **Importing Data into Your Cycle** **![](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jan-29-2026-09-10-09-5000-PM.png?width=512&height=417&name=image-png-Jan-29-2026-09-10-09-5000-PM.png)** You're now ready to import data into your cycle! To begin, click **"Download a template pre-filled with your current column structure."** This will download the default template for your cycle.   ![](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jan-29-2026-09-10-32-1487-PM.png?width=1363&height=634&name=image-png-Jan-29-2026-09-10-32-1487-PM.png) The template includes the core headers already set up for your cycle, such as: - **EID** (should always be present in the import file. This is the unique identifier) - **First Name** - **Last Name** - **Job Family Group** - **Job Family** - **Level** - **Location** - **Default Wave \[wave\]** This file also contains comp element and range fields which you can leave blank for now.   ![](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jan-29-2026-09-10-53-4994-PM.png?width=1411&height=319&name=image-png-Jan-29-2026-09-10-53-4994-PM.png) You can add additional columns to your file if you'd like to include more data in your cycle. New columns can be introduced at any time, either by including them in an import file or by adding them directly on the *Edit Columns* page before uploading your CSV.   ![](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jan-29-2026-09-11-44-6120-PM.png?width=377&height=336&name=image-png-Jan-29-2026-09-11-44-6120-PM.png) **Adding New Columns Through CSV Import** If you're adding new columns through a CSV import, make sure to check the *New* box in the Rules section and select the appropriate data type. You can also choose to make the field a list type. In that case, the tool will capture all unique values in that column and display them as selectable options. **Validating Your Data** For existing columns, be sure to double-check the data mapping suggested by AI. Check *"Show errors only"* to have a quick overview of the fields that need validation. Once everything is valid, proceed with uploading your file.   *Bulk Updates* ![](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jan-29-2026-09-12-49-9008-PM.png?width=287&height=274&name=image-png-Jan-29-2026-09-12-49-9008-PM.png) For bulk updates, include only the ID column and the specific field(s) you want to update. *Note:* You can upload just the IDs of employees you're updating—uploading the full employee list is optional unless you're making updates across multiple columns. *Important:* If a field is left blank in your import file, it will overwrite the existing data with a blank value.   **Customizing Your Cycle Display**   ![](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jan-29-2026-09-13-40-8075-PM.png?width=711&height=495&name=image-png-Jan-29-2026-09-13-40-8075-PM.png) Pequity lets you customize what you see in a cycle so the data feels easy to work with. By configuring your display, you can decide which fields to show, hide, or reorder, making the layout fit your workflow. *1. Go to the Edit Columns Page* From your cycle workbook, click *Settings \> Edit Columns*. Here, you'll see all available fields (both default and any you've added). *2. Choose What to Show or Hide for Every Layout* Toggle the visibility (eye) icons to select which fields should appear in every layout/view. *3. Reorder/Rename Your Columns* Drag and drop fields into the order you prefer. Your chosen order will carry over in every view, so you can match how you like to review data. *4. Update Dropdown Options of List Fields as Needed* Click the list icon next to the List type to manage the dropdown options. From here, you can add single or multiple options for your field.   **Using Formulas in Pequity**   ![](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jan-29-2026-09-14-24-7722-PM.png?width=434&height=343&name=image-png-Jan-29-2026-09-14-24-7722-PM.png) Formulas in Pequity let you calculate values automatically during your cycle. You can use them to set guidelines, caps, or custom calculations for salary increases, bonuses, equity, and more. *1. Go to the Config Columns Page* Navigate to the configuration area where you can set up formulas for your cycle fields. *2. Choose the Field You Want to Build the Formula For* Select the field where you want the formula to apply (e.g., New Salary, Bonus Amount). *3. Build Your Formula* Use standard operators (+, -, \*, /) and logical functions (IF, etc.). Reference other fields by their column names (e.g., `current_salary * 1.05`). *Tip:* You can also leverage the AI to help build your formulas. *4. Save and Apply* Once saved, the formula will calculate automatically for all employees in your cycle.   **Setting Up Role Permissions** ![](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jan-29-2026-09-16-13-0811-PM.png?width=799&height=330&name=image-png-Jan-29-2026-09-16-13-0811-PM.png) Now that you're preparing to launch, set up the functionalities for each role in your cycle. *1. Go to Settings Page \> Roles Tab* Navigate to the Roles section to configure user permissions. *2. Review the Available Roles and Their Capabilities* See what each role can do by default. *3. Toggle Functionalities for Each Role* Use the checkboxes to enable or disable specific functionalities for each role. *4. Add New Roles (Optional)* You can also add new roles directly from this page if needed. *Tip:* Double-check role permissions before launch to ensure planners and other users have the correct access.   - [Getting Started with Pequity](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/getting-started-with-pequity?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Pequity Setup & Company Admin Onboarding](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/getting-started-with-pequity?hsLang=en#pequity-setup-company-admin-onboarding) - [Personal Settings](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/getting-started-with-pequity?hsLang=en#personal-settings) - [Integrations & Data Management](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/getting-started-with-pequity?hsLang=en#integrations-data-management) - [ADP Lyric HCM Integrated Pequity](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/adp-lyric-hcm-integrated-pequity?hsLang=en) - [Managing Your Team in Pequity](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/managing-your-team-in-pequity?hsLang=en#main-content) - [General User Access](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/managing-your-team-in-pequity?hsLang=en#general-user-access) - [Single Sign-On (SSO) Integration](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/managing-your-team-in-pequity?hsLang=en#single-sign-on-sso-integration) - [People Manager Access](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/managing-your-team-in-pequity?hsLang=en#people-manager-access) - [Pequity Features & Workflows](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/pequity-features-workflows?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Pequity Comp Cycles](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/pequity-features-workflows?hsLang=en#pequity-comp-cycles) - [Pequity Ranges Tool](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/pequity-features-workflows?hsLang=en#pequity-ranges-tool) - [Pequity People Tool](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/pequity-features-workflows?hsLang=en#pequity-people-tool) - [Pequity Approvals Tool](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/pequity-features-workflows?hsLang=en#pequity-approvals-tool) - [Pequity Best Practices](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/pequity-best-practices?hsLang=en) - [Security & Compliance in Pequity](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/security-compliance-in-pequity?hsLang=en) - [Proactive Support & Troubleshooting](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/proactive-support-troubleshooting?hsLang=en) - [Pequity Updates & Insights](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/pequity-updates-insights?hsLang=en) - [Pequity University](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/pequity-university?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Comp 101](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/pequity-university?hsLang=en#comp-101) - [Reward Letters](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/support/reward-letters?hsLang=en) [![Pequity](https://helpcenter.pequity.com/hubfs/Pequity%20an%20adp%20company%20final%5B96%5D%20(1).svg "Pequity")](http://pequity.com) 1 ADP Boulevard Roseland, NJ 07068 Copyright © 2026 Pequity, an ADP Company