Abstract: Retrieving multidimensional data from a data source and displaying the data in a familiar and pre-existing user interface automatically propagates user-created formulas thereby eliminating the need for users to re-enter formulas. A data representation of the multidimensional data is sent to a query processor which creates row and column structures. These structures are manipulated based on a user action, such as zoom-in, and a multidimensional data output tree showing a hierarchy of the multidimensional data. Also created is a blueprint containing instructions on insertions and deletions to be carried out by the program associated with the pre-existing user interface, such as a spreadsheet program. Once the blueprint is interpreted by the program, typically through a data representation manipulator or common spreadsheet layer, the user interface is configured to accommodate the returned multidimensional data.