Overview
Calculation Formulas let you perform automatic calculations directly within your Smart Forms - perfect for tracking costs, materials, volumes, and more.
Each question type includes built-in formulas and options to display totals, add comments, and control visibility.
What Are Calculation Formulas?
Calculation Formulas are specialized fields that automatically compute totals based on what your crew fills out in your Smart Forms. They’re ideal for:
Cost estimation (equipment, materials, labor)
Measurement tracking (volume, distance)
Billing and invoicing
The Five Calculation Types
Type | Description | Formula | Common Use |
Labor Cost Estimation | Calculates total labor cost per worker or subcontractor. | Hours Worked × Hourly Rate = Total Labor Cost | Timesheets, payroll roll-ups |
Equipment & Material Cost Calculations | Estimates total cost of tools, materials, or rentals. | Quantity × Unit Cost = Total Cost | Procurement, job costing |
Volume Calculations | Calculates volume for slabs, foundations, or excavations. | Length × Width × Depth = Volume | Concrete pours, material takeoffs |
Distance Travelled (Mileage Logs) | Tracks vehicle or equipment mileage. | End Mileage − Start Mileage = Distance Travelled | Fleet management, reimbursements |
Billing Calculations (Invoice Markup) | Generates total billing with markup. | (Labor + Materials + Equipment) × Markup % = Total Invoice | T&M jobs, client invoices |
How to Add a Calculation Formula
Open your Smart Forms template and drag and drop the Calculation Formulas question type into your form.
Choose a Calculation Type from the dropdown.
Customize field labels (e.g., “Worker”, “Hours”, “Rate”).
(Optional) Enable:
Show Totals Row - displays total at the bottom
Add Comment Box - allows notes or clarifications
Required - ensures all fields are filled
Save and preview your template to test the live calculations.
Tips for Best Use
Combine multiple calculation blocks for detailed reports (e.g., Labor + Materials + Mileage).
Use the “Visible” and “Read-only” options to control what users can edit or view.
Example
Scenario: A foreman logs labor hours and equipment rental in one Smart Form.
You can set this up in your form by doing the following:
Add a Labor Cost Estimation question for staff hours.
Add an Equipment & Material Cost question for rented tools.
Add a Billing Calculation question to apply your markup automatically.
After the foreman fills out this form, it will be ready to be used for invoicing purposes, or exported.
FAQ
Can I edit the formula?
Not yet - each Calculation Formula comes with its preset formula, optimized for quick use and common calculation types.
Can I export totals?
Yes - totals appear in exports and reports alongside other form submission data.
Can I duplicate calculation questions?
Yes - just click Duplicate to reuse a question setup within the same or other templates.
Need Help?
If you need help setting up Calculation Formulas or want a walkthrough of Smart Forms:
📩 Chat with our Support Team directly in the Workyard app
💬 Or email us at help@workyard.com