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Steven Trumble

Learn when, where, why, and how you should be using formulas in Salesforce.

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Learn when, where, why, and how you should be using formulas in Salesforce.

Formulas are an essential thing to learn to be the best Admin, Business Analyst, Developer, or Consultant in a Salesforce org. After this course you'll be a more knowledgeable and useful member of your team. Improve your hireability and salary with improved Salesforce skills.

We'll cover the most common formula operators and functions, and go through many practical examples that you can implement in your org straight away. You'll learn how to systematically build your formulas to be more and more powerful without confusing yourself. I also share my favourite extension to make formula writing more user friendly.

The course is designed in a logical order where you'll keep building upon new knowledge. Starting with the very basics we'll learn about where they are used, the different elements that they contain, and the different data types outputs.

After that, it’s time to get your hands dirty and start building. Your first formulas will only be one line long. At the end of the course you’ll be building 10+ line formulas and understand every part of it.

We’ll cover every type of operator, the most common functions (logical, Date and Time, Math, Text, Advanced), and finish by using formulas inside of reports to produce powerful business insights.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Create robust validation rules to ensure data integrity
  • Create cross-object field formulas to see information on the record you want
  • Create row-level formulas to make reports more powerful
  • Create flow entry conditions to only run the flows when you want
  • Understand the different types of formula operators and syntax

Syllabus

Introduction

Welcome to the course!

https://developer.salesforce.com/signup

What is a formula
Read more
What makes up a formula
Formula Data Types
Understand the different types of operators that are used in Salesforce formulas
Math Operators
Logical Operators
Text Operators
Operators Quiz
Build some formulas in your dev org!
First formula: Average employee revenue
First Validation Rule
Tweak the validation rule - AND vs OR
Understand different types of logical functions. When to use IF, nested IF, or Case. The difference between AND and OR statements.
Intro to Functions
IF
AND and IF
AND and OR Comparison
AND and IF Overdue part 2
Default Fields using CASE
Better Salesforce Formula editor
IF and nested IF - Opportunity Discount

NOTE: small error in my formula. I should be using >=, not =.

Thanks to Yusuf for pointing this out.

Nested IF vs CASE - Close Date Month pt 1
Nested IF vs CASE - Close Date Month pt 2

Using a validation rule to limit the number of values a user can select in a multi-select picklist field.
Formula could also be used to generate something like a lead score.

ISBLANK and NOT
ISNEW() - Flow
Learn how to use Date, Time, and Date/Time functions in Salesforce formulas
Common Date and Time Functions pt 1
Days to Opportunity Close
Case Open Duration
Common Date and Time Functions Pt 2
Different Date Formats
Date with Month written out
Group report by day of week - WEEKDAY and CASE
Date and Time Functions Quiz
Learn how to use the most common math functions in your Salesforce Formulas
Common Math Functions
MIN and MAX
FLOOR and CEILING
UNIXTIMESTAMP
FROMUNIXTIME
Learn how to use different Text Functions in your Salesforce formulas
Text Functions pt 1
BEGINS 1/2
BEGINS 2/2
CONTAINS
CASESAFEID
Text Functions 2
INITCAP, LOWER, UPPER, LEN
LEFT AND RIGHT
LPAD
Text Functions 3
TRIM
SUBSTITUTE
SUBSTITUTE(SUBSISTITUTE(
TRIM vs SUBSTITUTE
ISPICKVAL
Text Functions Quiz
Learn how to use two common advanced functions: ISCHANGED and REGEX
Advanced Functions
ISCHANGED
REGEX 1: Aus or US Postal Code
REGEX 2: Salesforce syntax
REGEX 3: 5 or 9 digit postal code
REGEX 4: it's making field "required"
REGEX 5: SSN and Aadhar
Learn how to use formulas inside of standard Salesforce reports
Summary Functions - Reports
PARENTGROUPVAL - Accounts by Industry
PARENTGROUPVAL - Percentage of Open Opportunities by Stage
PREVGROUPVAL - Difference in Closed Won Amount by Month
PREVGROUPVAL - Max Commission Difference over time
Opportunity Win % Individual
Opportunity Win % Company Wide
Miscellaneous - handy hints

$User.Id = CreatedById

Admin LifeHack: Using Checkboxes to test Validation Rule Formula Logic

Some Formula Functions that work in Validation Rule Formulas are not available in Formula fields (so you can’t use this trick to test every Validation Rule Formula.

  • ISNEW

  • ISCHANGED

  • PRIORVALUE

  • VLOOKUP

  • REGEX

Power of One - 1
Validation rule - part 1 cannot move back a stage

AND(

ISCHANGED(StageName),

TEXT(StageName) <> "Closed Lost",

CASE( StageName ,

"Qualification", 1 ,

"Needs Analysis", 2 ,

"Value Proposition", 3 ,

"Id. Decision Makers", 4,

"Perception Analysis", 5,

"Proposal/Price Quote" , 6 ,

"Negotiation/Review", 7 ,

"Closed Won", 8 ,

"Closed Lost", 8 ,

0 )

<>

CASE(PRIORVALUE( StageName ),

"Qualification", 1 ,

"Needs Analysis", 2 ,

"Value Proposition", 3 ,

"Id. Decision Makers", 4,

"Perception Analysis", 5,

"Proposal/Price Quote" , 6 ,

"Negotiation/Review", 7 ,

"Closed Won", 8 ,

"Closed Lost", 8 ,

0 )

+ 1

)

Salesforce Formula Videos
Formulas for the everyday admin

ROAN BEAR, MAYA PETERSON present

Formulas Rule! Master Complex Assignment Rules With Formulas

Complex assignment rules are difficult to read and manage, and are prone to errors. Advanced admins use formulas to better manage and optimize assignment rules. Learn best practices for assignment formulas including using the ISNEW() function, rule entry formulas, and when it's better to reference formulas from related objects.

CHRIS DUNCOMBE, CHRIS RUSTICI present

Getting Started With Formulas

Have formulas always been something that seem so interesting but you think "that looks too much like code, maybe it's too complicated for me." Join us as we break down formula fields and get you started using some simple functions for creating some great and useful formula fields.

GEOFFREY FLYNN, STEVE MOLIS present

8 Reporting Formulas Users Don't Know To Ask For

Join us to learn how to build formulas that have no place on the page layout but will make you a reporting superstar. These formulas are a gateway to giving users the reports they really want and need yet they just didn't think were possible. On a record detail page these formulas would be a waste of space but watch them transform the reporting capabilities instantly. You'll leave with all new ways to get reports and dashboards showing the data that people have been asking for in Salesforce Classic and Lightning.

STEVE MOLIS presents

How To: Become A Reporting Guru With Formulas For Dashboards And Reports

In this live demo, you'll learn quick and easy formulas for using reports and dashboards like a pro. Tackle common challenges like summarizing Opportunity statuses and calculating the percentage of the month that has passed. Become a reporting guru!

Notes and Quick References
Useful modules on Trailhead

https://developer.salesforce.com/docs/atlas.en-us.220.0.salesforce_formulas_cheatsheet.meta/salesforce_formulas_cheatsheet/formula_cheatsheet.htm

https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=sf.useful_advanced_formulas.htm&type=5

FAQs and answers by Salesforce MVP Eric Praud

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores a range of date and time functions essential for optimizing reports
Provides hands-on practice in building complex formulas using a variety of operators and functions
Introduces best practices for creating robust validation rules and cross-object field formulas
Suitable for Salesforce Admins, Business Analysts, and Developers seeking to enhance their formula-writing skills
Course is designed to make formula writing more user-friendly, enhancing productivity
Requires a basic understanding of Salesforce and formula syntax

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learn Salesforce Formulas with these activities:
Review basic Salesforce concepts
Brush up on fundamental Salesforce concepts to strengthen your understanding before diving into the course material.
Browse courses on CRM
Show steps
  • Revisit key Salesforce concepts such as objects, fields, and relationships.
  • Review different Salesforce editions and their features.
  • Explore the Salesforce user interface and navigation.
Build simple formulas in a sandbox
Reinforce your understanding of Salesforce formulas by practicing in a safe environment.
Show steps
  • Create a sandbox environment for testing.
  • Build formulas to calculate simple values, such as discounts or totals.
  • Create validation rules using formulas to enforce data quality.
  • Experiment with different formula functions and operators.
Attend a peer discussion session on Salesforce formulas
Engage with peers to share knowledge, ask questions, and discuss different approaches to using Salesforce formulas.
Browse courses on Collaboration
Show steps
  • Join an online or in-person peer discussion session.
  • Share your understanding of formulas and learn from others.
  • Collaborate on solving formula-related challenges.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Assist non-profits with Salesforce formula implementation
Contribute your Salesforce formula skills to help non-profit organizations improve their operations and impact.
Browse courses on Volunteering
Show steps
  • Identify non-profit organizations that need assistance with Salesforce.
  • Assess their Salesforce configuration and identify areas where formulas can improve efficiency.
  • Implement formulas to automate tasks, provide insights, or enhance data quality.
  • Provide training and support to ensure ongoing success.
Build a Salesforce app that utilizes formulas
Apply your Salesforce formula skills by building a functional app that solves a real-world business problem.
Show steps
  • Identify a business need or problem that can be addressed with formulas.
  • Design the app's architecture and data model.
  • Implement formulas to automate calculations, validations, and other business logic.
  • Test and deploy the app.

Career center

Learners who complete Learn Salesforce Formulas will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Salesforce Administrator
Salesforce Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining Salesforce systems. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Salesforce Administrator by teaching you how to use formulas to create reports and dashboards that summarize and analyze Salesforce data. You will also learn how to use formulas to validate data and ensure its accuracy.
Salesforce Developer
Salesforce Developers are responsible for developing and maintaining Salesforce applications. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Salesforce Developer by teaching you how to use formulas to create reports and dashboards that summarize and analyze Salesforce data. You will also learn how to use formulas to validate data and ensure its accuracy.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business processes and identifying areas for improvement. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Business Analyst by teaching you how to use formulas to create reports and dashboards that summarize and analyze business data. You will also learn how to use formulas to validate data and ensure its accuracy.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Data Analyst by teaching you how to use formulas to create reports and dashboards that summarize and analyze data. You will also learn how to use formulas to validate data and ensure its accuracy.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists are responsible for using data to solve business problems. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Data Scientist by teaching you how to use formulas to create reports and dashboards that summarize and analyze data. You will also learn how to use formulas to validate data and ensure its accuracy.
Statistician
Statisticians are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Statistician by teaching you how to use formulas to create reports and dashboards that summarize and analyze data. You will also learn how to use formulas to validate data and ensure its accuracy.
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for planning and developing products. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Product Manager by teaching you how to use formulas to create reports and dashboards that summarize and analyze product data. You will also learn how to use formulas to validate data and ensure its accuracy.
Consultant
Consultants are responsible for providing advice and guidance to businesses on a variety of topics. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Consultant by teaching you how to use formulas to create reports and dashboards that summarize and analyze data. You will also learn how to use formulas to validate data and ensure its accuracy.
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts are responsible for testing and verifying the quality of software products. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Quality Assurance Analyst by teaching you how to use formulas to create reports and dashboards that summarize and analyze software quality data. You will also learn how to use formulas to validate data and ensure its accuracy.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts are responsible for analyzing financial data and making recommendations on investments. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Financial Analyst by teaching you how to use formulas to create reports and dashboards that summarize and analyze financial data. You will also learn how to use formulas to validate data and ensure its accuracy.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts are responsible for using mathematical models to solve business problems. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become an Operations Research Analyst by teaching you how to use formulas to create reports and dashboards that summarize and analyze data. You will also learn how to use formulas to validate data and ensure its accuracy.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Software Engineer by teaching you how to use formulas to create reports and dashboards that summarize and analyze software data. You will also learn how to use formulas to validate data and ensure its accuracy.
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning and executing projects. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Project Manager by teaching you how to use formulas to create reports and dashboards that summarize and analyze project data. You will also learn how to use formulas to validate data and ensure its accuracy.
Marketing Analyst
Marketing Analysts are responsible for analyzing marketing data and making recommendations on marketing campaigns. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Marketing Analyst by teaching you how to use formulas to create reports and dashboards that summarize and analyze marketing data. You will also learn how to use formulas to validate data and ensure its accuracy.
Risk Analyst
Risk Analysts are responsible for identifying and assessing risks to businesses. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Risk Analyst by teaching you how to use formulas to create reports and dashboards that summarize and analyze risk data. You will also learn how to use formulas to validate data and ensure its accuracy.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Learn Salesforce Formulas.
This guide provides a comprehensive reference for Salesforce developers. It covers topics such as formula syntax, data types, and best practices.
Provides a comprehensive guide to Salesforce security, which is not directly covered in this course but may be useful for learners who are responsible for securing Salesforce data and applications.

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