Using Calculated Fields in Forms

Learn how to use calculated fields to capture numerical values in a form and perform simple calculations to arrive at a total score.

What's included in this article?

• Using Calculated Fields
• Calculated Fields Tips and Tricks
• Video Overview

Using Calculated Fields

Calculated Fields can be used on all form processes and across steps in the same form process. Calculated fields are often used when arriving at income eligibility (total household income), total grade or score, etc.

1. Create the fields needed for the calculation.
   • Most often, the field used in a calculation will be a `Number Format` field type, but you may also use the `Dropdown` or `Radio Button` field types as long as a numerical value is assigned to each answer option.
   • If you are importing values into fields to be used for calculations, we recommend creating those fields on the Applications table.
2. Add the field type “Calculated Field: Total” to build your calculation. This field should be placed after all fields you wish to calculate.
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3. Build your formula in the `Calculation Field: Total` field by adding the fields and operators needed to create the calculation. The column on the right displays the formula as it is built.

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4. If you need to perform a calculation that includes a set value in your equation (a+b+c) / 3, you may select the field `Custom Value` and input the number (i.e. "3") to be used in your formula with any of the operators (add, subtract, multiply, divide).

• Note: the `Custom Value` field supports decimals up to 3 places, if needed.
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Tips and Tricks

• Calculated fields do not round up or down.
• If you are importing values into fields to be used for calculations, we recommend creating those fields on the Applications table.
• The fields `Calculation Field Total` and `Custom Value` supports up to 3 decimal places when displaying your results.
• The `Calculation Field: Total` can be used more than once to create additional calculations.
• A formula cannot contain parentheses within parentheses (nested), however, you can break up your equation and use order of operations instead:
  • Example: instead of this equation, A + B x ((C x (D + E) - (F + G)) create these fields:
    Total 1 = A + B
    Total 2 = C x ( D + E) - (F + G)
    Final Total = Total 1 x Total 2

Click the video below for a comprehensive tutorial on calculation fields. (09:26)