How to add a lookup field in Airtable

Add a lookup field in Airtable to pull values from linked records into a table. Follow seven steps from the add field menu to a finished column.

Quick answer

To add a lookup field in Airtable, create a linked-record field first, then click the add field button, choose Lookup, pick the linked-record field, choose which field to pull from the linked table, and click Create. The new column then shows that value for every linked record.

Steps at a glance

  1. Click the add field button at the end of the headers
  2. Search for and choose Lookup
  3. Open Choose a field in this table
  4. Select your linked-record field
  5. Choose the field to look up
  6. Click Create
  7. Check the values in the new column

Interactive demo

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Summary

A lookup field copies a value from a record you have linked to, so you see related information without retyping it. It keeps linked tables consistent because the value updates when the source record changes.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Step 1

    Add a new field

    Open your table in grid view. A lookup needs a linked-record field first; this table already has one called "Related". Click the "add a field" button at the end of the field headers to open the Create field menu.

  2. Step 2

    Choose the Lookup field type

    In the Create field menu, type "Lookup" into the field type search box. Click "Lookup" in the results to select it.

  3. Step 3

    Pick the linked-record field

    Give the field a name, such as "Related notes". Under the Configuration tab, click "Choose a field in this table" to open the list of linked-record fields.

  4. Step 4

    Select Related

    Click "Related" in the list. This tells Airtable which linked records the lookup should read from.

  5. Step 5

    Choose the field to look up

    A new setting asks which field in the linked table you want to look up. Click "Choose a field" and select the field you want to show, for example "Name".

  6. Step 6

    Create the lookup field

    Check the name and settings, then click "Create" to add the field to your grid.

  7. Step 7

    Check the looked-up values

    A "Field created" message appears and the new column fills in. Each row shows the value from its linked record, such as "Launch plan" on the first row.

Why this matters

You track tasks in one place and need to see details from a related record beside them. A lookup field pulls that detail into the same row, so you stop switching tables and copying values by hand.

Frequently asked questions

  • Do I need a linked-record field before adding a lookup?

    Yes. The lookup setup asks you to choose a field in this table, and that field must link to another record.

  • Which field does a lookup show?

    The one you pick in the Choose a field step. It shows that field's value from each linked record.

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