All articles

Adding Formulas in Databases

Table 8. Availability


Availability: Pinnacle. ; Unavailability: Free, Team, Business, Enterprise;

Overview

By using formula-type custom fields in your database, you can automate complex calculations within individual records and streamline data processing. These fields enable you to perform real-time calculations based on existing data, eliminating manual effort and reducing the risk of errors. This not only optimizes workflows but also enhances data accuracy, providing your team with deeper insights. With improved visibility and data consistency, your team can make more informed decisions faster, ultimately boosting overall productivity and ensuring better project outcomes.

Benefits of Using Formula Custom Fields in Databases

Formula custom fields in databases unlock a range of powerful capabilities that enhance data management, analysis, and reporting. Here's what you can achieve:

  1. Automating Calculations

    • Reduces manual effort by automatically calculating values based on predefined formulas.

    • Ensures real-time updates of key metrics, enhancing operational efficiency in Databases.

  2. Enhancing Data Accuracy

    • Minimizes human error by eliminating manual data manipulation.

    • Ensures consistent and reliable results by keeping calculations within the system.

  3. Streamlining Reporting & Decision-Making

    • Empowers users to analyze performance, generate meaningful KPIs, and extract actionable insights.

    • Reduces dependency on external tools for reporting, allowing for seamless analysis within Databases.

  4. Improving Efficiency

    • Saves time by eliminating the need for data exports and post-processing.

    • Keeps all computations centralized, ensuring faster and more accurate data analysis.

Creating a Formula Custom Field

Step 1: Create the Formula Field

Creating_a_Formula_Custom_Field_1.png
  1. Open the database that contains the fields with the data you want to calculate.

  2. Start creating a new custom field.

  3. Select Formula 1 as the field type.

Step 2: Add Custom Fields to the Formula

Creating_a_Formula_Custom_Field_2.png
  1. Define your formula using custom field names. For example: ([Custom Field Name X] - [Custom Field Name Y]) * 2

  2. Add the relevant fields to the formula:

    • Click inside the Formula 2 field to view a list of available fields.

    • Select a field name from the list or start typing to search.

    • Ensure that each field name is enclosed in square brackets.

  3. You can include the following in your formula:

    • Custom fields: Fields with Number, Currency, Percent, Days, Hours, Date, or Formula types.

    • Constants:

      • Numbers: Example ([Custom Field Name X]-[Custom Field Name Y])*2

      • Days and hours: Example [Due date]+2d

Step 3: Apply Mathematical Operations

Supported operations include:

  • Addition (+)

  • Subtraction (-)

  • Multiplication (*)

  • Division (/)

    Note

    The Today() formula is not currently supported.

Step 4: Create the Formula Field

Creating_a_Formula_Custom_Field_3.png

Once you've defined the formula and added the necessary fields, click Create 3. The formula results will appear immediately in the Formula custom field.

Results_automatically_showing_Formula_CF.gif

Optional Enhancements

To enhance your experience, consider these additional options:

  • Use Thousand Separator: Format numerical results by adding a separator (such as commas) for better readability, especially when dealing with large numbers.

  • Conditional Marker: Apply color coding to results based on specific values, making it easier to identify trends or critical data points.

Top