> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.pears.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.pears.io/engage/direct-contacts/auto-calculate-demographics.md).

# Auto Calculate Direct Contact Demographics

The Auto Calculate feature populates demographic data for a direct contact record by pulling matching data from CRM contact interactions.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Navigate to Direct Contacts

From the PEARS homepage, hover over the **Engage** menu and click **Direct Contacts**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Open a Direct Contact record

Click the direct contact record that needs demographic information.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Go to Demographics

Click the **Demographics** link within the direct contact details to open the demographics page.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Click Auto Calculate

Click the **Auto Calculate** button. The button appears dark green when matching CRM data exists.

PEARS uses the following criteria to determine which CRM data to include:

* **Unit** — CRM notes for persons whose unit matches the direct contact record.
* **Program Area** — CRM entries with matching program areas.
* **Date Range** — CRM notes falling within the specified date range.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**NOTE:** CRM notes marked "Internal use only" are excluded from the calculation.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Save

Click **Save and Continue** or **Save** to preserve the calculated demographics.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## How the Calculation Works

* **Total Contacts** — Each qualifying CRM note adds to a running total representing interactions within the date range. A "contact" equals one interaction with a person.
* **Communication Methods** — The system counts applicable CRM notes by communication method type.
* **Demographics** — For each qualifying CRM note, associated demographic data (gender, age, ethnicity, race) increments by 1.

{% hint style="info" %}
**TIP:** Organizations not collecting demographic data will see "Unknown" recorded for those categories.
{% endhint %}