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 are automatically applied to new rows added anywhere in the sheet.

Here are some examples:

• Track the date variance between planned and actual completion dates for all project tasks.
• Calculate quote request totals based on quote request form input.
• Automatically populate assigned contact information, such as their title, department, and supervisor. Fore details, refer to the INDEX function.

Column Formulas don't support explicit row numbers — since the formula must apply uniformly to every row, it can only reference values relative to each row (e.g., [Column]@row). A hard-coded row would break that row-agnostic logic.

This article demonstrates creating and managing Column Formulas.

Create a Column Formula

1. Enter a formula into a cell. To trigger formula editing, you can enter an equals (=) symbol; in Table View you can select Formulas in the top bar.
   
   For example, you can enter a formula that calculates the sum of two adjacent columns in the current row, like this: =SUM([Column A]@row:[Column B]@row)
   
   To learn how to create formulas, refer to Formula Basics.  
   
   Note: Column Formulas don't support using explicit row numbers. For details on ways to reference columns, go to Referencing columns section later in this article.
2. Right-select the cell and select Convert to Column Formula.

The formula now applies to all of the column's cells.

A function icon next to the column name indicates that a formula applies to the entire column.

If you right-select multiple cells, the Convert to Column Formula option deactivates. To activate it, right-select only one cell that has the formula you want.

Change a Column Formula

To modify the Column Formula,

1. Select the formula icon ( ) in any of the column cells. The formula editor appears.
2. Modify the formula. Smartsheet prompts you to confirm, applying the change. Select Apply.

Smartsheet applies the modified formula to the entire column.

The Column Formula populates the column for all rows added to the sheet.

Convert a Column Formula to a Cell Formula

To change convert a Column Formula to a Cell Formula, right-select a cell in the column and select Convert to Cell Formula.

Each cell now has an independent copy of the formula.

Remove a formula from all column cells

To remove a formula from all of a column's cells,

1. Right-select all of the column's cells. 
2. Press Delete or Backspace.

The cells are empty of any and all formulas and values.

Don't select the column name. You can't delete cell values while a column name is selected.

Referencing columns

Column Formulas don't support explicit row numbers — since the formula must apply uniformly to every row, it can only reference values relative to each row (e.g., [column name]@row). A hard-coded row would break that row-agnostic logic.

Refer to the following table as a guide for referencing columns in Column Formulas:

For a complete list of Smartsheet functions, refer to Functions list.

Now you know how to apply formulas to entire columns in your sheets.