Formula Fields

A formula field is a field that contains a formula (as distinct from a field that is used in a formula). Formula Fields provide the ability to calculate dynamic values using Expressions and standard Functions. Formula Fields are added to Objects via Forms.

Examples

Typical formula examples include the following calculations:

• calculate the number of days Past Due on an invoice record
• calculate a discount price (-5%) on orders over $1000
• create logical tests, such as: was this record created last year? last month?
• determine if a record is new, or changed from a prior value

For detailed examples and sample formulas, see Expressions.

To Add or Edit a Formula Field

1. Click Designer > Data > Objects > {object} > Fields
2. Click the [Add Field] button
3. Choose a Field Type: Formula

   Name/Label/Title

   Name of the field

   Return Type

   Optionally, choose a Return Type

4. Write an Expression in the formula field. Use the Expression Builder to help:

   

   [Choose Field]

   • Click the button to bring up a field-chooser dialog
   • Select a field (including fields from related records)
   • Click [Insert Field] to insert the chosen field

   

   Operators

   Optionally, choose an Operator to build the expression

   Formula Functions

   Choose from a list of available Functions

5. Click the [Check Syntax] button to ensure that you have created a valid expression. If you receive an error message, review the content and revise the expression to correct the problems.
6. Click [Save] to insert the formula field into the form layout.
   Each record in this object now includes this formula field.

When the appropriate values are entered in the formula fields, the record will display the results dynamically.