computed-columns

# Glide Computed Columns

Glide uses **computed columns** instead of cell formulas. Each computed column applies its logic to every row in the table.

## Key Concept

Calculations in Glide are columns, not cell formulas. You build complex logic by chaining columns together - one column's output becomes another column's input.

## Creating Computed Columns

1. In Data Editor, click a column header → "Add column right"
2. Name the column
3. Click the Type dropdown
4. **Use the filter** - type the column type (e.g., "math", "relation", "if-then") to find it quickly
5. Configure the column settings
6. Save

## Math Columns

For arithmetic calculations.

**Important**: Use plain, human-readable column names as variables. No special escaping or symbols needed.

Example - calculating a total:
- Column A: "Quantity"
- Column B: "Unit Price"
- Math column formula: `Quantity * Unit Price`

Just type the column names naturally. Glide will recognize them.

Other examples:
- `Price * 1.1` (add 10% markup)
- `Total / Count` (calculate average)
- `End Date - Start Date` (days between dates)
- `Amount - Discount` (apply discount)

**Configure formatting**: After creating a math column, set up proper display formatting:
- **Decimal places**: 0 for counts, 2 for currency
- **Prefix**: $ or € for money
- **Suffix**: %, kg, mi, hrs for units
- **Thousands separator**: Enable for large numbers

This makes the data instantly readable (e.g., "$1,234.56" instead of "1234.56").

## If-Then-Else Columns

For conditional logic. Returns different values based on conditions.

Structure:
- IF [condition]
- THEN [value if true]
- ELSE [value if false]

Examples:
- Status emoji: IF `Status` is "Complete" THEN "✅" ELSE IF `Status` is "In Progress" THEN "🔄" ELSE "⏳"
- Priority color: IF `Priority` is "High" THEN "🔴" ELSE IF `Priority` is "Medium" THEN "🟡" ELSE "🟢"
- Overdue flag: IF `Days Until Due` < 0 THEN "Overdue" ELSE "On Track"
- Discount tier: IF `Total` > 1000 THEN "Gold" ELSE IF `Total`