Understanding Calculated Columns

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 65 views

The Formula Contains a Syntax Error or is Not Supported: A Guide to Calculated Columns in SharePoint

When working with SharePoint, creating calculated columns can be a powerful way to automate data analysis and provide insights into your data. However, when you encounter an error message stating that the formula contains a syntax error or is not supported, it can be frustrating and time-consuming to resolve. In this article, we will explore the common causes of this error and provide step-by-step solutions to help you create a calculated column in SharePoint.

Understanding Calculated Columns

Calculated columns in SharePoint allow you to create a new column that is based on the values in existing columns. This can be useful for creating custom views, reports, and dashboards. When creating a calculated column, you can use a variety of functions and formulas to manipulate the data and perform calculations.

Common Causes of the Error

Before we dive into the solutions, it's essential to understand the common causes of the error. Here are some of the most common reasons why you may encounter the "formula contains a syntax error or is not supported" error:

Incorrect syntax: SharePoint uses a specific syntax for calculated columns, and any errors in the syntax can cause the error.
Unsupported functions: SharePoint has a limited set of supported functions, and using unsupported functions can cause the error.
Data type mismatch: If the data type of the column you are trying to calculate is not compatible with the function or formula you are using, it can cause the error.
Circular references: If the formula or function you are using references itself, it can cause a circular reference, which can lead to the error.

Step-by-Step Solutions

Now that we have identified the common causes of the error, let's move on to the step-by-step solutions to help you create a calculated column in SharePoint.

Step 1: Check the Syntax

The first step is to check the syntax of your formula or function. Make sure that you have used the correct syntax and that there are no errors in the formula.

Use the formula builder: SharePoint provides a formula builder that can help you create and test your formulas. To access the formula builder, click on the "Formula" button in the "Calculated Column" section of the list settings page.
Check the syntax: Once you have created your formula, check the syntax to ensure that it is correct.

Step 2: Use Supported Functions

The next step is to ensure that you are using supported functions in your formula or function. SharePoint has a limited set of supported functions, and using unsupported functions can cause the error.

Check the function list: SharePoint provides a list of supported functions that you can use in your calculated columns. To access the function list, click on the "Functions" button in the "Calculated Column" section of the list settings page.
Use supported functions: Once you have identified the supported functions, use them in your formula or function.

Step 3: Check Data Type Mismatch

The third step is to check for data type mismatch. If the data type of the column you are trying to calculate is not compatible with the function or formula you are using, it can cause the error.

Check the data type: Check the data type of the column you are trying to calculate and ensure that it is compatible with the function or formula you are using.
Change the data type: If the data type is not compatible, change it to a compatible data type.

Step 4: Avoid Circular References

The final step is to avoid circular references. If the formula or function you are using references itself, it can cause a circular reference, which can lead to the error.

Check the formula: Check the formula or function to ensure that it does not reference itself.
Avoid circular references: If the formula or function references itself, avoid using it.

Creating calculated columns in SharePoint can be a powerful way to automate data analysis and provide insights into your data. However, when you encounter an error message stating that the formula contains a syntax error or is not supported, it can be frustrating and time-consuming to resolve. By understanding the common causes of the error and following the step-by-step solutions outlined in this article, you can create a calculated column in SharePoint and avoid the "formula contains a syntax error or is not supported" error.

Here are some additional tips and resources to help you create calculated columns in SharePoint:

Use the SharePoint formula builder: The SharePoint formula builder is a powerful tool that can help you create and test your formulas.
Check the SharePoint function list: The SharePoint function list provides a list of supported functions that you can use in your calculated columns.
Use online resources: There are many online resources available that can help you create calculated columns in SharePoint, including tutorials, videos, and forums.
Contact Microsoft support: If you are still experiencing issues, contact Microsoft support for further assistance.

Here is an example use case for creating a calculated column in SharePoint:

Suppose you have a list of tasks with a due date and a status (e.g., "due" or "overdue"). You want to create a calculated column that displays the number of days that the task is overdue.

Create a new calculated column: Click on the "Calculated Column" button in the list settings page and create a new column.
Use the formula builder: Use the formula builder to create a formula that calculates the number of days that the task is overdue.
Use the DATEDIF function: Use the DATEDIF function to calculate the number of days between the due date and the current date.
Use the IF function: Use the IF function to check if the task is overdue and display the number of days if it is.

Here is an example formula:

=DATEDIF([Due Date],[Current Date],"D") + IF([Status]="overdue",1,0)

This formula calculates the number of days between the due date and the current date and adds 1 if the task is overdue.
The Formula Contains a Syntax Error or is Not Supported: A Q&A Guide to Calculated Columns in SharePoint

When working with SharePoint, creating calculated columns can be a powerful way to automate data analysis and provide insights into your data. However, when you encounter an error message stating that the formula contains a syntax error or is not supported, it can be frustrating and time-consuming to resolve. In this article, we will provide a Q&A guide to help you create calculated columns in SharePoint and avoid the "formula contains a syntax error or is not supported" error.

Q: What is a calculated column in SharePoint?

A: A calculated column in SharePoint is a new column that is based on the values in existing columns. This can be useful for creating custom views, reports, and dashboards.

Q: What are the common causes of the "formula contains a syntax error or is not supported" error?

A: The common causes of the "formula contains a syntax error or is not supported" error include:

Incorrect syntax: SharePoint uses a specific syntax for calculated columns, and any errors in the syntax can cause the error.
Unsupported functions: SharePoint has a limited set of supported functions, and using unsupported functions can cause the error.
Data type mismatch: If the data type of the column you are trying to calculate is not compatible with the function or formula you are using, it can cause the error.
Circular references: If the formula or function you are using references itself, it can cause a circular reference, which can lead to the error.

Q: How can I check the syntax of my formula or function?

A: You can check the syntax of your formula or function by using the formula builder in SharePoint. To access the formula builder, click on the "Formula" button in the "Calculated Column" section of the list settings page.

Q: What are some common functions that I can use in my calculated columns?

A: Some common functions that you can use in your calculated columns include:

DATEDIF: This function calculates the number of days between two dates.
IF: This function checks if a condition is true and returns a value if it is.
SUM: This function calculates the sum of a range of values.
AVERAGE: This function calculates the average of a range of values.

Q: How can I avoid data type mismatch errors?

A: You can avoid data type mismatch errors by checking the data type of the column you are trying to calculate and ensuring that it is compatible with the function or formula you are using.

Q: What is a circular reference, and how can I avoid it?

A: A circular reference occurs when a formula or function references itself. You can avoid circular references by checking the formula or function to ensure that it does not reference itself.

Q: Where can I find more information about calculated columns in SharePoint?

A: You can find more information about calculated columns in SharePoint by visiting the Microsoft website or by contacting Microsoft support.

Q: Can I use calculated columns in SharePoint Online?

A: Yes, you can use calculated columns in SharePoint Online. However, you may need to use a different syntax or function than you would in SharePoint on-premises.

Q: Are there any limitations to using calculated columns in SharePoint?

A: Yes, there are some limitations to using calculated columns in SharePoint. For example, you may not be able to use certain functions or formulas, and you may need to use a different syntax or function than you would in other applications.

Creating calculated columns in SharePoint can be a powerful way to automate data analysis and provide insights into your data. However, when you encounter an error message stating that the formula contains a syntax error or is not supported, it can be frustrating and time-consuming to resolve. By understanding the common causes of the error and following the tips and best practices outlined in this article, you can create calculated columns in SharePoint and avoid the "formula contains a syntax error or is not supported" error.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

Microsoft SharePoint documentation: The Microsoft SharePoint documentation provides a wealth of information about calculated columns, including syntax, functions, and best practices.
SharePoint community forums: The SharePoint community forums are a great place to ask questions and get help from other SharePoint users and experts.
SharePoint training and tutorials: There are many online resources available that provide training and tutorials on using calculated columns in SharePoint.