Use column formulas to apply calculations to all rows in a sheet

With column formulas, you can apply uniform calculations and expressions to all rows in the sheet. Column formulas will also automatically apply to new rows added anywhere in the sheet. For example, you can: 

• Track the date variance for the planned and actual completion of all project tasks.
• Configure an INDEX function to automatically populate information about an assigned resource, such as their title, department, and supervisor.
• Automatically calculate totals for quote requests based on information submitted through a quote request form.

Create and edit column formulas

To create a column formula:

1. Write the formula you wish to use in any cell in your desired column.
   
    

   Column formulas cannot refer to cells or ranges with specific row numbers, such as absolute references, specific cell references, or partial-column ranges. Instead, use @row, column references, and cross-sheet references.

   
    

2. After writing the formula, right-click the cell and select Convert to Column Formula from the context menu.

The formula will be applied to all cells in the specified column, and it will be automatically filled into any new rows that are added to the sheet.

You can right-click any cell in the column and select Edit Column Formula or Convert to Cell Formula to change or remove the column formula.

For the complete list of functions in Smartsheet, see our Functions list. 

Column formula limitations

Only formulas that do not reference specific row numbers can be converted to column formulas. Use the following table as a guide when writing column formulas: