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 tasks in a project.
• 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. In any cell in your desired column, write the formula you wish to use.
   
   NOTE: Column formulas cannot refer to cells or ranges with specific row numbers such as with absolute references, specific cell references, or partial-column ranges. Use @row, column references, and cross sheet references instead.
    
2. After writing the formula, right-click the cell to open the context menu and select Convert to Column Formula. 

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