Calculated columns

A calculated column shows a value worked out from other columns on the same row, instead of being typed in - useful for totals, differences, or any figure that should always follow from the data around it.

Who does this

Set up in the property panel by whoever builds the Qlik app. End users see the result; they can’t edit it directly.

Steps

1. In the property panel, under Custom Columns Definition, add a column and set its Type to Calculated Column.
2. Open the formula editor - either the fx icon in that column’s header, or right-click any cell in the column and choose Edit calculation formula….
3. Write the formula, referencing other Number or Numeric with Suggestions columns with [Column Name] syntax - for example [Quantity] * [Unit Price]. Supported functions: MIN, MAX, SUM, AVG, ROUND, FLOOR, CEIL, ABS, SQRT, POW, and IF, plus + - * /. The editor validates the formula as you type and previews the result against the first visible row.
4. Set Decimal Places (0-8, default 2) and, if you need something other than a plain number, a custom Number Format.

What can go wrong

Caution

A column isn’t offered in the formula editor’s autocomplete. Calculated columns can only reference plain Number/Numeric with Suggestions columns - they can’t reference another calculated column, or themselves. Restructure the formula, or add an intermediate Number column if you need to chain calculations.

Worked example

A procurement sheet has Quantity and Unit Price as Number columns. A Total Cost calculated column is added with the formula [Quantity] * [Unit Price] and 2 decimal places - it updates automatically as either input changes, with no way for a user to type over it by mistake.