NB_ELEMENTS() : count the records in a linked column

In a formula-type column, the NB_ELEMENTS function counts the number of items contained in the selected columns, including columns containing multiple values, such as fields of the Linked Table Column type. It returns a number.

Calling function parameters in TimeTonic:

$field_name = field (link, linked table column, number, selection, formula, text...).
"free text" = free text to add inside quotes.
do not use quotes for numbers.

Syntax

NB_ELEMENTS(column_1, column_2, ...)

Parameters

# Parameter Description

1 column_1, column_2, ... The columns whose elements are counted. Can include a Linked Table Column containing multiple values.

The output format of the result (number, currency, percentage...) is configured in the output field options of the formula editor. See Output format options in the Formula Column article.

Examples

Count the items in one column

I counted the number of items in the Documents received column to find out the total number.

NB_ELEMENTS($Documents reçu)

Result of NB_ELEMENTS on the Documents received column

Count the items in several columns

I counted the number of items in the Documents received column plus the number of items in the Subscriptions column, to know the total number of documents contained in my client's file.

NB_ELEMENTS($Documents reçu, $Souscription)

Count items linked to another table

Similarly, I can count the number of items linked to another table. I counted the number of invoices in my Invoice column issued to a given client.

NB_ELEMENTS($Facture)

Result of NB_ELEMENTS on the Invoice column

To add values (rather than count them), use SUM_ELEMENTS(). For the smallest or largest value, use MIN_NUM_ELEMENTS() or MAX_NUM_ELEMENTS().

Go further

SUM_ELEMENTS

To add up the numeric values of a linked column, instead of counting them.

Read more →

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