You set up a formula in a table column — maybe to multiply a quantity by a rate, or pull a value from another cell — but the result comes back blank or zero even though the cell clearly has something in it. This usually means the field type you're referencing isn't supported in formulas.
What's happening
Formula columns in Dashpivot read values from other cells in the same row. But not every field type carries a value the formula engine can work with. Fields like photos, signatures, and location pins hold files or objects — not numbers or text — so when a formula tries to read them, it receives nothing.
Why this happens
Some field types in Dashpivot don't return a calculable value to formulas:
Field Type | Why it returns nothing |
Attachment | File — no numeric or text value |
Photo | Image — no numeric or text value |
Image | Image — no numeric or text value |
Signature | Captured signature — no text value |
Manual Signature | Captured signature — no text value |
Location / Map | GPS coordinates object — not a single readable value |
Latitude | Part of a location object |
Longitude | Part of a location object |
Person | User reference — no calculable value |
Avatar & Name | User reference — no calculable value |
How to fix it
Check the field type of the cell your formula is referencing. If it's in the unsupported list above, the formula will always return blank — this is expected behaviour, not a bug.
Switch to a supported field type if the data allows it. For example, if you need a numeric value, use a Number field instead of a text or attachment field.
Restructure your table so the formula only references supported columns.
Supported field types that work in formulas:
Field Type | What the formula receives |
Number | The numeric value entered |
Formula | The result of the other formula |
Date | Date value (used for date math) |
Time | Time value |
Date (Plain text) | Date as plain text |
Time (Plain text) | Time as plain text |
List / Dropdown | Selected option as text |
List Property | The linked list property value |
If the issue continues
If your formula references a supported field type but still returns blank, check that the formula syntax is correct. See Logical Formulas in Dashpivot for reference.
FAQs
Can I use a List/Dropdown field in an IF formula?
Yes, but the comparison must match the option text exactly, including case. Example: =IF(A1="Yes", 1, 0).
Can I reference a List Property column in a formula?
Yes — List Property columns return the linked property value and can be used in calculations.
Can I count how many photos are attached using a formula?
No. Photo and Attachment fields return nothing to formulas and can't be counted this way.