Overview of the Calculation Feature

The Calculation feature lets you automatically perform simple calculations within a form. Instead of calculating values manually, GoBuid calculates results based on values entered or selected in other form fields.

You can use the Calculation feature to total numeric values, calculate inspection scores, or create formulas that automatically update as users complete a form. This helps improve accuracy, reduce manual work, and ensure consistent results across all form submissions.

Note: The Calculation field is available in Form Builder, which is currently accessible only in the GoBuid Web App. You cannot create or edit Calculation fields using the mobile app.

In this article

What the Calculation feature does

The Calculation feature automatically displays a result based on a formula you configure in Form Builder.

You can use calculations to:

  • Add values from multiple fields.
  • Subtract one value from another.
  • Multiply or divide numeric values.
  • Calculate totals, scores, or percentages.
  • Display results automatically as users complete a form.

How to create a Calculation field

Follow these steps to add a Calculation field to your form:

  1. Open Form Builder.
  2. Create a new form template or open an existing template that you want to edit.
  3. Add the fields that will be used in your calculation. For numeric values, drag and drop a Text field into the form and set its Format to Number. This allows the field to accept numeric values that can be used in calculations.
  4. Drag and drop the Calculation field into the form where you want the calculated result to appear.
  5. Select the Calculation field and build your formula using the fields with assigned Calculation Values. You can combine fields using supported mathematical operators to calculate the desired result.
  6. Once your formula is complete, open the Preview and Try tab.
  7. Enter sample values or complete the form to verify that the calculation returns the expected result. The Calculation field automatically updates whenever the referenced values change.

Tip: To make it easier to identify the fields used in your formula, add a Label to each field in Form Builder. If you don't want the label to appear on the final form, set the Label Display option to None. The label will remain available while configuring your calculation but will be hidden from users when they complete the form.

Outcome

After the form is published, the Calculation field automatically performs the configured formula whenever users complete or update the referenced fields. This ensures calculations are consistent, reduces manual errors, and saves time during form completion.

Supported calculation types

The Calculation feature supports the following mathematical operations:

  • Addition (+)
  • Subtraction (-)
  • Multiplication (×)
  • Division (÷)

These operations can be combined to create simple formulas based on the values collected within the form.

Common use cases

The Calculation feature can be used across different types of forms, including:

  • Safety inspection checklists
  • QA/QC inspections
  • Site inspection forms
  • Audit checklists
  • Progress tracking forms
  • Forms that calculate totals, percentages, or compliance scores

For example, you can calculate the total number of Yes, No, and N/A responses in an inspection checklist, then use that total to generate an overall inspection score automatically.

How the Calculation feature helps your team

The Calculation feature helps teams complete forms more efficiently by automatically performing calculations as data is entered.

Use the Calculation feature to:

  • Eliminate manual calculations.
  • Improve the accuracy of inspection and audit results.
  • Automatically calculate totals, scores, and percentages.
  • Standardize calculations across all projects.
  • Save time when completing and reviewing forms.
  • Reduce errors caused by manual computation.