Formulas & Calculated Columns
Create new columns whose values are derived from existing data using arithmetic, text functions, and conditional logic — without leaving your browser.
Overview
SheetTool formulas let you add calculated columns that reference other columns by name. Use [Column Name] syntax to pull values, then combine them with arithmetic operators, text functions, or conditional expressions. Every formula runs entirely in the browser so your data stays private. Formulas are evaluated row-by-row and the result is written into a new column you can rename, export, or use in further calculations.
Syntax & Reference
- [Column Name] — Column reference
- Wrap any column header in square brackets to reference its value for the current row. Column names are case-sensitive and must match the header exactly.
- +, -, *, / — Arithmetic operators
- Standard math operators for numeric columns. Use parentheses to control evaluation order, e.g. ([Price] - [Cost]) / [Price].
- SUM, ROUND, ABS — Numeric functions
- SUM adds values, ROUND rounds to the nearest integer, and ABS converts negatives to positive values.
- CONCAT, UPPER, LOWER, TRIM, LEN — Text functions
- CONCAT joins strings together. UPPER and LOWER change casing. TRIM removes leading/trailing whitespace. LEN returns the character count.
- IF(condition, true_value, false_value) — Conditional logic
- Evaluate a condition and return one value when true, another when false. Conditions use ==, !=, >, <, >=, <= operators.
- Formula templates
- Pre-built templates for common calculations like price × quantity, full name concatenation, and inventory status flags. Select a template to auto-fill the formula editor.
Examples
Calculate line totals
Use [Price] * [Quantity] to create a Total column. Add ROUND([Price] * [Quantity]) if you need whole-number results for invoicing.
Build display names
Combine fields with CONCAT([First Name], " ", [Last Name]) to create a single Full Name column for export.
Flag rows for review
Use IF([Inventory] <= 0, "Out of stock", "OK") to add a status column that highlights items needing attention before uploading a product feed.
Compute margin percentage
Calculate profit margin with ROUND(([Price] - [Cost]) / [Price] * 100) to get a percentage column you can sort or filter on.
Tips & Best Practices
- Rename columns to short, clear names before writing formulas — it makes the expression easier to read and less error-prone.
- Use calculated columns for review flags instead of overwriting source data, so you can always go back to the original values.
- Test formulas on a small filtered subset before applying to the full dataset, especially when using conditional logic.
- Chain formulas: create one calculated column, then reference it in another formula for multi-step derivations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What formula syntax does SheetTool use?+
SheetTool uses a simple expression syntax with [Column Name] references, standard arithmetic operators (+, -, *, /), built-in functions (SUM, ROUND, ABS, CONCAT, UPPER, LOWER, TRIM, LEN, IF), and comparison operators (==, !=, >, <, >=, <=). It is designed to be familiar to spreadsheet users without requiring full Excel formula compatibility.
Can I reference one calculated column in another formula?+
Yes. Once you create a calculated column, it appears as a regular column that you can reference in subsequent formulas using the same [Column Name] syntax.
Do formulas work on filtered data?+
Formulas are evaluated on every row in the dataset regardless of active filters. However, you can use IF conditions within the formula to apply logic selectively based on column values.
Is my data sent to a server when I use formulas?+
No. All formula evaluation happens entirely in your browser. Your data never leaves your device.