---
title: "GetRecordByUniqueField() formula query function"
slug: "getrecordbyuniquefield-formula-query-function"
updated: 2026-04-29T17:03:47Z
published: 2026-04-29T17:03:47Z
canonical: "help.quickbase.com/getrecordbyuniquefield-formula-query-function"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.quickbase.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# GetRecordByUniqueField() formula query function

GetRecordByUniqueField() is a [formula query function](/v1/docs/what-are-formula-queries) you can use to fetch a specific record for reference.

- `GetRecordByUniqueField()` can fetch records based on any unique field with the inputs of field ID and a value parameter
- Use `GetRecordByUniqueField()` to fetch records with custom key fields
- You can't use this function on its own. Results depend on the other function where it's used
- Use within [GetFieldValues](/v1/docs/getfieldvalues-formula-query-function), [SumValues](/v1/docs/sumvalues-formula-query-function), or [Size](/v1/docs/size-formula-query-function) functions, which use a list of records as a parameter

## GetRecordByUniqueField() examples

|  | To query the same table | To query a different table | Result |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Function layout | `GetRecordByUniqueField("Unique value", Field ID)` | `GetRecordByUniqueField("Unique Value", Field ID, Table Alias)` | Returns the record with the specified record ID |
| Example using hard-coded value | `GetRecordByUniqueField("1001", 12)` Returns the record where the value of field ID 12 is 1001 | `GetRecordByUniqueField("Customer Service System Update", 8, [_DBID_PROJECTS])​​ ` Returns the record where the value of field ID 8 is "Customer Service System Update." In this case, the record is on the table with alias `DBID_PROJECTS`. | Results depend on the other function where it's used |
| Example using field reference | `GetRecordByUniqueField([Order Number], 6)` Returns the record where the value in the Order Number field matches the value in field ID 6 | `GetRecordByUniqueField(([Order Number], 6), [_DBID_ORDERS])` Returns the record where the value in the Order Number field matches the value in field id 6. In this case, the record is on the table with alias `DBID_ORDERS`. | Results depend on the other function where it's used |

## Use GetRecordByUniqueField() effectively

- GetRecordByUniqueField() is ideal for custom key fields but you can use it with any fields that are both **unique** and **required**
  - Fields that are not unique: the query returns the first found record if there are duplicates
  - Blank fields: the query doesn't return a value for the record. Other records aren't affected.
- If a field was previously unique and required, but it is no longer unique and required, the query returns a blank value
- If GetRecordByUniqueField() references a user field, enter one of the following:
  - Field reference (ex: the user field [Assigned to])
  - User's email address
    - Entering a username like *abelrose* or the user's actual name like *Abdul Belrose* won't work
  - Complete user ID (ex: 58651643.bzb4)

Incomplete user ID won't work (for example, one missing the .bzb4 suffix)