How to add formulas in Airtable

Add a formula field in Airtable to combine or calculate from existing fields. Choose Formula, name the field, type the expression and check results.

Quick answer

To add a formula in Airtable, click the add field button at the end of the column headers, choose the Formula field type, give the field a name, and type an expression such as {Name} & " - " & {Status}. Click Create, and every record shows the calculated result in the new column.

Steps at a glance

  1. Click the add field button after the last column.
  2. Search for and choose the Formula field type.
  3. Type a name for the new field.
  4. Type the formula in the formula editor.
  5. Click Create to add the field.
  6. Check the calculated value in each record.

Interactive demo

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Summary

A formula field calculates a value from other fields in the same record. It updates on its own whenever the source fields change, so you can combine text or run calculations without editing every row.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Step 1

    Add a new field

    Scroll to the end of the column headers in your grid view and click the **add a field** plus button. A menu opens with a search box and a list of field types.

  2. Step 2

    Choose the Formula field type

    Type **Formula** into the **Find a field type** search box, then click the **Formula** result. The **Create field** dialog opens with the Formula type already selected.

  3. Step 3

    Name the field

    Click the **Field name (optional)** box and type a name that says what the formula returns. This guide uses Task summary.

  4. Step 4

    Type the formula

    Click inside the formula editor on the **Formula** tab and type `{Name} & " - " & {Status}`. Curly braces point to existing fields, and the ampersand joins them into one piece of text.

  5. Step 5

    Create the formula field

    Check the **Preview for** line, which shows the result for a sample record such as Launch checklist - Todo. When it looks right, click **Create**.

  6. Step 6

    Check the formula results

    The new field appears in the grid with a value for every record. Records that have a name and a status, such as Launch checklist - Todo, show the joined text.

Why this matters

You have a table of tasks and want one readable label per record, such as the task name next to its status. A formula field builds it for every row at once and keeps it current as the data changes.

Frequently asked questions

  • Does the formula update when I change a record?

    Yes. The formula field is calculated from the other fields in the same record, so it reflects their current values.

  • Can a formula use any field in the table?

    A formula can refer to other fields by putting their names in curly braces. This capture used the Name and Status fields.

Related guides

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