When to use a formula field
Key Takeaway
Use a formula field when users need to see a value that must always come from a calculation, not from what a user types.
A formula field is a read-only custom field whose value Salesforce calculates from other fields, expressions, or values. Use one when users need a derived value they can see at a glance, such as a percentage, the days until a date, or a parent record's field.
When to use a formula field
Formula fields are read only. Users can see the result on the record detail page, but they can't edit the value or see the formula behind it. So choose a formula field when the value must always come from the calculation, not from what a user types.
Because the field does the calculation, users don't have to do the math in their heads. Common uses include:
- Dividing two number fields to get a percentage
- Counting the days between two dates
- Turning a field into a clickable hyperlink