Jotform calculator: how the Form Calculation widget works, and a spreadsheet option

Step by step

1. Add the Form Calculation widget

   In Jotform's Form Builder, open Add Element, then the Widgets tab, and choose Form Calculation, or drag it onto the form. Jotform's help article lists order totals, quiz scores, discounts, taxes and fees, and cost estimates as uses.

2. Build the formula from your fields

   In the widget, Add Field puts one of your form fields into the formula editor. Type digits, decimal points, parentheses and the four operators, or use the Formula Keypad. Jotform's help article says a field counts as a number only when its indicator shows 0 to 9; when it shows A to Z, the value is added as text. The f(x) button adds functions such as abs(), min(), max() and round().

3. Set how the result shows

   Under Options, Jotform's help article lists a read-only result field, trailing zeros for prices (5.00 instead of 5), skipping hidden fields, a comma as the decimal point, and 0 to 10 decimal places. If your price is a few fields added or multiplied, the widget may be all you need. If it comes from a spreadsheet with lookup tables or many rates, note that the article describes typing the formula into the editor, and describes no way to import a spreadsheet.

4. Or paste your spreadsheet into ChatGPT with CalcForms

   Open the CalcForms app page in ChatGPT and click Install plugin. Sign in with your email when asked; we send a 6-digit code. A free ChatGPT account works. Then start a new chat, attach your .xlsx or paste the Google Sheets link, and say what it is in one line.

5. Say what the customer should see, then test it

   Tell ChatGPT which cells are questions for the customer and which are yours: "The customer enters roof size, material and pitch. Show them the total only." Type in a quote you already know the answer to and compare, then say "publish it" and share the link.

The words to say

Copy this into ChatGPT (with CalcForms added) and fill in the brackets.

What you will see

A form with one question per input, your spreadsheet's formulas running behind it, and a results panel that shows only the numbers you chose. Every reply reaches you with the calculations done: in ChatGPT, or in the web portal on Pro.

Common mistakes

• Leaving a field set to text. Jotform's help article says a field whose indicator shows A to Z is added as text, so switch it to 0 to 9 before you count on the total.
• Forgetting the questions that only show for some answers. Jotform's help article describes an Ignore Hidden Fields option, so only the fields a person can see count toward the result.
• Not testing with a real past quote. Always try one you know before you send the link.

Questions about the Jotform calculator