***Some links in this post may be affiliate links to products. I might receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. It helps keep this little blog afloat. Thank you!
Still using Excel or Google sheets because you don’t think ClickUp can handle formula calculations? Well, let me show you 5 ways that you can use ClickUp like Excel.
ClickUp Formula Fields
One of the first few things you’ll notice when it comes to using ClickUp table view and formulas is that it’s a lot more consolidated compared to list views, which are very task-oriented.
The Formula Fields focus on calculations. So if numbers make you swoon, then its sure to be your feature favorite!
Now, you can check out my video walk through or read on to learn how you can use ClickUp like an Excel or Google spreadsheets. Don’t worry, I will provide real examples of simple calculations combined with the new table view – all inside ClickUp, no embedding required!
1. TABLE VIEW
Before we jump into the formulas, let start with adding a new table view inside ClickUp!
The table view actually gives you a nice consolidated area to view all your data inside ClickUp.
In this example, you’ll see that I’m on my YouTube management folder and I’ve created a YouTube Table view to provide me with a general overview of tasks related to my YouTube channel.
how to add a table view screenshot 1
How to create a table view in ClickUp
- Click + view.
- Select table view.
- Give it a name.
- Click add view.
When it first populates inside ClickUp, it’s going to just pull in a bunch of generic information that’s probably in your list view.
- Similar to Excel, you can do the following:
- Drag the columns around to make it more organized.
- Omit columns either by hiding them or deleting them completely.
- Sort multiple columns and fields.
Note: You need to have values listed in order for the formulas to work.
2. SUBTRACTION FORMULA
The next example we’re going to talk about is subtraction. In this example, I have a form with a bunch of tables with values that were populated into ClickUp.
This is my training evaluation from a form that was made in ClickUp that was submitted. I’ve got the task name, the time tracked, the time estimated, company title, roles listed inside ClickUp, and then I’ve asked them to rate their understanding of the trainings after they’ve completed it.
In this example, my goal is to understand how long it took them to go through the entire training.
This simple subtraction formula field I made calculates the time estimated for that training and the time they tracked to complete the training to see how much time was left.
clickup like excel and google sheets feature how to use subtraction formula screenshot 1
How to use Subtraction Formula in ClickUp
- Make sure that the table is pre-populated before you use formula fields, whether it’s in list view or table view.
- Add a column by clicking +.
- Under create new field, select formula.
- Give it a name | field type: Formula.
- Select the variables A and variable B. [shows up as (variable a) – (variable b) ]
- Click calculate.
3. ADDITION FORMULA
Up next for ClickUp formula fields, we’re going to do the addition function. In this example, I’ve created a simple calculation where we’re just going to add the amount of money in, plus the amount of money that went out. It’s an easy accounting formula that I use in my own personal life!
how to use addition formula field in clickup 1
How to use Addition Formula in ClickUp
- Make sure that the table is pre-populated before you use formula fields, whether it’s in list view or table view.
- Add a column by clicking +.
- Under create new field, select formula.
- Give it a name | field type: Formula.
- Select the variables A and variable B. [shows up as (variable a) + (variable b) ]
- Click calculate.
4. MULTIPLICATION FORMULA
Now that we have addition and subtraction formulas, let’s try multiplying variables next!
Using my Biweekly Payout List (Multiply), I will demonstrate how you can easily calculate for the amount owed.
how to use multiplication formula field in clickup 1
How to use Multiplication Formula in ClickUp
- Make sure that the table is pre-populated before you use formula fields, whether it’s in list view or table view.
- Add a column by clicking +.
- Under create new field, select formula.
- Give it a name | field type: Formula.
- Select the variables A and variable B. [shows up as (variable a) x (variable b) ]
- Click calculate.
5. DIVISION FORMULA
Now, let’s talk about the fifth and final way you can use ClickUp like Excel with a division formula field. I find this especially useful when I need to calculate for my recurring expenses that go on different cycles (e.g. quarterly, yearly, etc).
You will notice that quarterly cycles will have 4 set as the value for # months column, and yearly will have 12. The point of this formula field is to determine what I need to pay on a quarterly or a yearly basis towards these expenses.
how to use division formula field in clickup 1
How to use Division Formula in ClickUp
- Make sure that the table is pre-populated before you use formula fields, whether it’s in list view or table view.
- Add a column by clicking +.
- Under create new field, select formula.
- Give it a name | field type: Formula.
- Select the variables A and variable B. [shows up as (variable a) ÷ (variable b) ]
- Click calculate.
Pro Tip

Conclusion
Now that you know how to do the basic mathematical functions akin to using Excel and Google sheets inside ClickUp, it is my hope that you’ll be able to extract data more efficiently and without needing to jump between apps.
Ambitious wishes! and I’ll see you around.
P.S.
Need a refresher course on custom fields? Check out my ultimate custom fields guide to explore all the other custom fields inside ClickUp!
New to ClickUp and need additional resources?
Quick reminder: AmbitiousVA rebranded to Anne Leah & Co., to serve a bigger purpose.
For all the links and resources Click Here.