How to Use Formula Fields in a Table
A formula column calculates its value automatically from other columns in the same row. Reference fields by name, do arithmetic, text joins, and IF logic, and every row updates itself as the data changes.
Step-by-step guide
Add a Formula column
Add a column and choose the Formula type. A formula editor opens where you write an expression that references your other columns. The column is read-only: it shows a computed value for every row rather than something you type into.
Reference columns by name
Refer to any column in the same row by wrapping its name in curly braces, like {Quantity} * {Unit Price}. Formulas support arithmetic, joining text with +, comparisons, and functions like IF, AND, OR, and NOT for conditional values, for example IF({Stock} < 10, "Reorder", "OK").
Format the result
If your formula returns a number, choose how it displays: plain, integer, currency, or percent. Text and true/false results show as-is. The formula recalculates automatically for every row, so editing a source column updates the result instantly.
Tips
- Wrap column names in curly braces: {Column Name}
- Use IF(condition, whenTrue, whenFalse) for conditional values like status flags
- Set a currency or percent format so calculated numbers read correctly
- Formula columns are read-only, edit the source columns and the formula follows
- Importing an Excel sheet brings simple cell formulas across as live formula columns
Frequently asked questions
How do I reference another column in a formula?
What can formulas do?
Can a formula use data from a linked table?
Do Excel formulas survive an import?
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