Creating New Formula Columns

Description

Creates a new column based on a calculation.

Steps

1. Right+Click on a column and select Column > New Formula Column from the options that display. The New Formula Column dialog displays:

   

    

2. Rename this column by replacing the name indicated in the Field Name field.

3. Define the expression for calculating the new field value:

   • Select fields, operators, functions, and operators from the lists above the expression builder.

   • If you are new to expressions, read this page to help you

   • Refer to functions reference for a list and description of all functions you can use within an expression.

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   Note that:

   • You can use the drop-down provided below the Functions column to specify a set of functions to display (e.g., Date, String, Numeric, Trigonometry, etc.).

   • As you define the formula, a sample of the output is displayed in the preview area at the bottom of the dialog box.

4. Select OK to add the specified calculation as a new field to your table.

 

Example

In this example, the first column (Amount) is the original column. Discount is a calculated field that shows the 10% discount value. It uses the following simple formula: Amount * .10:

 

Other expressions can look like this:

• If(Customer="Ace Resellers",Unit_price*.55, Unit_price*.65)

• FiscalWeek([Ship Date])

• Replace(Contact,"Smith","Smith-Jones")