---
title: "Form variables"
slug: "form-variables"
updated: 2026-09-28T06:23:24Z
published: 2026-09-28T06:23:24Z
canonical: "help.quickbase.com/form-variables"
---

> ## 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.

# Form variables

## Overview

Form **variables** and **calculations** can be used to automate calculations and certain functions. They allow you to perform advanced calculations of data across multiple fields. From sales and expenses to customer feedback and safety scores, this feature helps reduce human error and streamline data collection. You can even save your calculations and reference them in your rules.

Traditionally, calculations would require the use of a script in a [Calculation Field](/fastfield/docs/the-calculation-field), but you can perform many common functions without a script in the **Calculations/Variables tab** (Advanced Options > Advanced Rules > Calculations/Variables).

## How to set up a variable

1. Go to **Advanced Options** > [**Advanced Rules**](/fastfield/docs/advanced-rules) in the Form Builder. You will then see the following screen:

![Advanced Rules screen accessed from Advanced Options in the Form Builder](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/12818352386573?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T09%3A49%3A40Z&se=2026-10-30T10%3A49%3A40Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=MB%2BviRoY8lOA1FadL%2BluvgvMUPe4GmB7%2Blt7DLJd%2Bpw%3D)
2. Select the **Calculations/Variables** tab, and then select **Add Variable**:

![Calculations/Variables tab showing the Add Variable button](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/12818647767821?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T09%3A49%3A40Z&se=2026-10-30T10%3A49%3A40Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=MB%2BviRoY8lOA1FadL%2BluvgvMUPe4GmB7%2Blt7DLJd%2Bpw%3D)
3. **Name** your variable.
  - It's important to give your variable a logical name since this name will be used in your rules and possibly other areas of your forms.
  - For example, if you are calculating a person's age in 20 years, a good name for the variable would be *Age in 20 Years*.
4. Select the **function** you want to perform.
  - Depending on the function you chose, you will be presented with different parameters or options to configure.
  - For example, with mathematical functions, you will be asked to select from a list of numeric fields you want to add together. For date/time operations, you will be asked to select from a list of date/time fields.
5. After selecting the **type(s)** and **value(s)**, select **Save**.

## Use the variable list filter

If your form contains many variables, a filter or search utility is available to find all variables that reference a particular field:

1. Locate the **Filter** search box in the **Calculations/Variables** tab.
2. Type in a **field name** in the Filter search box, and your list of variables will be narrowed to variables that are linked to that field.