The formula function opens up new possibilities in working with your data. For example, you can use formulas to link values from different columns and create different functions based on the contents of these columns.
However, working with more complex formulas can easily pose problems, especially for beginners, so in this article we will provide you with solutions to the most familiar and typical problems we encounter.

Quotation marks missing for text elements

It is mandatory to enclose each text element in your formulas in quotation marks in order for it to be recognized by the Formula Wizard. If a text is not enclosed in quotation marks, the following error message may appear:

Error message that appears when quotation marks are missing around text elements

Incorrect input of text elements

Correct input of text elements

Brackets for functions are missing or set incorrectly

In the formula editor, each function must be followed by an opening parenthesis before further elements can be added to the formula.
If all elements of a function have been added to the formula, it must also be closed with a closing parent hesis. If no parentheses are set, the function cannot be recognized by the formula wizard and the following error messages may appear:

Error message that appears if no opening round bracket is set after a function

Error message that appears when the brackets are set incorrectly for a function

Incorrect input of a function

Correct input of a function

Incorrect bracket replacement in general

Setting brackets correctly is one of the biggest challenges when entering formulas. Whether round, square or curly brackets, they all have to be set at the right place in a formula so that it is recognized by the formula wizard.

How to set round brackets correctly when entering functions is explained in the previous point of this FAQ.

Curly bra ces are always used when referring to specific table columns. The name of the desired column must always be surrounded by two braces. If no braces are set or the braces are set incorrectly, the column reference cannot be recognized by the formula wizard and the following error messages may appear:

Error message that appears if curly braces are not set when referring to column names

Error message that appears when curly braces are set incorrectly when referring to column names

Incorrect input of curly braces when referring to column names

Correct input of curly brackets when referring to column names

If you want to refer to column names within a function, you must pay special attention to correct bracket replacement. Observe the individual rules for bracket replacement for functions and the reference to column names and first try to write the formula yourself.
If you are unsure, remember that the corresponding parenthesis is always highlighted when you move the cursor over an opening or closing parenthesis in the formula editor.

Incorrect input of a function with column reference

Correct input of a function with column reference

I can't manage to switch several functions in my formula one after the other

If you want to include several functions in your formula, you must take care to always separate the individual functions with a comma.

In addition, you must also end formulas that contain multiple functions with multiple closing brackets. For example, if your formula contains three functions, it must also end with three closing brackets in the formula editor.

If the above points are not observed, the formula entered cannot be recognized by the formula wizard and the following error messages may appear:

Error message that appears when a formula containing multiple functions is not terminated with the required number of closing parentheses

Error message that appears if no commas are set between the different functions of a formula or they are set incorrectly

Incorrect input of a formula in which several functions were connected in series

Correct input of a formula in which several functions were connected in series

I can't manage to link several text elements in my formula together

To link multiple text elements in your formula, you must separate each text element with a “& symbol”. If no & symbols are added between the text elements, the formula wizard cannot recognize the entered formula and the following error message appears:

Error message that appears when several text elements in a formula are not separated by &.

Incorrect input of multiple text elements in a formula

Correct input of multiple text elements in one formula

Editing the formula so that text elements are linked each separated by a space character