---
title: "What are formula queries?"
slug: "what-are-formula-queries"
updated: 2026-04-29T16:50:12Z
published: 2026-04-29T16:50:12Z
canonical: "help.quickbase.com/what-are-formula-queries"
---

> ## 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.

# What are formula queries?

Formula queries allow you to build flexible, complex workflows and data flows without using code. Most formulas reference information in a single record.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/4572796726420.png)

Formulas can use queries to query information across multiple records and unrelated tables in the same app.

![Formula with queries:Formula uses a query to reference data on related and unrelated tables. Example formula referenced records from a related field and an unrelated table.](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/4572832167956.png)

## What can I do with formula queries?

Formula queries let you do things like:

- Find duplicate records in a table
- Keep track of running totals
- Auto number records (learn more in our [example in Community](https://community.quickbase.com/discussions/quickbase-discussions/creating-sequential-numbering-unique-to-your-business-powered-by-formula-queries/83933))
- Create advanced calculations and report filters
- Create fields with outputs similar to lookup summary fields (without creating additional table relationships)

## How do I add a formula query to my app?

You can add a formula query to:

- [Formula fields](/v1/docs/formula-field-types) in apps
- [Report formulas](/v1/docs/using-a-report-formula)
- [Custom data rules](/v1/docs/custom-data-rules)

### To make sure users can see formula results

Enable permissions to all fields when building or editing an app that leverages formula queries.

- Users without permission to view the fields that a formula query uses cannot see the formula results
- This is true even if you check the **Override sub-field access** setting in the formula field properties

## Formula query functions

- [GetRecord()](/v1/docs/getrecord-formula-query-function)
- [GetRecordByUniqueField()](/v1/docs/getrecordbyuniquefield-formula-query-function)
- [GetRecords()](/v1/docs/getrecords-formula-query-function)
- [GetFieldValues()](/v1/docs/getfieldvalues-formula-query-function)
- [SumValues()](/v1/docs/sumvalues-formula-query-function)
- [Size()](/v1/docs/size-formula-query-function)