Notion FormulasWhat Is a Formula?
A beginner-friendly reference for Notion formula properties, values in formulas, and property references.
A Notion formula is a rule that runs across an entire database property. It does not calculate one isolated cell. Instead, it calculates a result for every row in the database, meaning every page, using the same rule.
For example, add a formula property called "Is overdue" to a task database:
This formula runs once for every task. In each row, prop("Due Date") points to that task's own "Due Date" property.
The most common place to use formulas is the "Formula" property in a database. A formula property stores a calculation rule, and Notion applies that rule to every record in the database.
The usual path is: the top-right corner of a database or the last column in a table -> Add property -> choose "Formula".
A formula usually contains four kinds of things:
| Type | Example | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Literal | "Completed", 100, true | A fixed value written directly in the formula |
| Property reference | prop("Status") | A property value from the current row |
| Operator | +, >=, and | Used to calculate, compare, join, or evaluate values |
| Function | if(), dateAdd(), map() | Built-in capabilities provided by Notion |
Classic syntax:
In the newer formula editor, properties may appear as colorful tokens. For easier copying, this manual uses the prop("Property name") style throughout.
To use these formulas directly in task reminders, project progress, note heatmaps, and reports, continue with FLO.W Notion Template.
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