How to Build Simple Calculations Using the Calculation Builder

The Calculation Builder in Smarter Drafter allows you to create simple mathematical calculations within your forms. Whether you want to add, subtract, or perform other basic operations, the Calculation Builder makes it easy to automate these processes. This guide walks you through building a simple calculation to get you started.

Instructions

1. Navigate to Your Form

Open the form where you want to add the calculation.

2. Create a New Field

Click on Add Field to create a new field for your calculation. This will open a new field properties window.

3. Choose the Field Type

For simple calculations like addition or subtraction, select a Number field to hold the result of the calculation.

4. Set Field Properties

Fill in the field's properties as required, such as the field name, and choose whether to set the field to Read-Only or Hidden.
- Read-Only: Display the result of the calculation to the user.
- Hidden: Keep the result hidden from the user but still available for processing.

5. Select the Calculation Tab

In the field properties, click on the Calculation tab to open the Calculation Builder tool.

6. Click Start Here

Click the Start Here button to open the Calculation Builder tool. This tool allows you to select the data types and set up the calculation expression.

7. Choose the Calculation Type

In the Calculation Builder, select the appropriate calculation type based on the operation you need to perform:
- Sum: To add two or more values together.

- Subtract: To subtract one value from another.

- Multiply: To multiply two or more values.

- Divide: To divide one value by another.

8. Insert Field References

Click the Reference Field drop-down and select the fields you want to use in the calculation. For example, if you're adding two numbers, select the fields that contain the numbers to be added. Click Insert to add them to your formula.

9. Complete the Formula

Use the calculation options to complete your formula. For example, if you’re adding two fields, it might look like this:
- Field1 + Field2
- If you need to subtract or multiply, simply use the appropriate operator.

10. Click Add and Save

Once you’ve set up your calculation, click Add to insert it into your field expression. Then, click Save to apply the calculation to the form.

11. Test the Calculation

Test the form by filling in the relevant fields to ensure that the calculation works as expected. Check that the results match your expectations.

Common Issues & Solutions

Issue: Calculation field not showing expected result
Solution: Ensure the field is created below all reference fields used in the calculation. The calculation field cannot reference fields that have not been answered yet.