In Notion, you can automatically calculate and display due dates using formula columns. This feature is especially helpful for task management and time planning. Follow these steps to quickly set up automatic due dates.
1. Create a Formula Column
First, make sure the column you're working with is of the "Formula" type. If you haven’t created this column yet, click the “+” button at the top of your table and select “Formula” to add a new formula column.
2. Start Editing the Formula
Click anywhere below the formula column or click the “Edit Formula” button to enter the formula editor.
3. Enter the Formula Function
In the formula editor, type dateAdd and select it from the dropdown list. This is the function Notion uses to perform date and time calculations.
4. Choose a Reference Time
Next, you’ll need to choose a reference time for the calculation. Typically, this would be a “Start Date” or another date you've already set up in the table.
5. Set the Formula
Fill out the formula in this format:dateAdd(reference time, number, "time unit")
For example, if you want the due date to be 14 days after the start date for each task, and you’ve already recorded the start date, the formula would be:dateAdd(Start Date, 14, "days")
This formula will automatically calculate the due date based on the "Start Date" column.
6. Save and Apply
Once you’ve entered the formula, click “Save” at the top-right to apply it. From now on, whenever you enter a new start date, Notion will automatically calculate and display the corresponding due date.
Important Notes:
- Time Units: In the formula, you can use "years," "months," or "days" as time units. In my example, I used "days," but you can adjust this based on your needs.
- Negative Numbers: You can also use negative numbers to subtract time. For example, the formula
dateAdd(Start Date, -14, "days")would calculate the date 14 days before the start date. - Formula Format: Be careful with the format—don’t add quotation marks around numbers, or you’ll get an error. Only use quotes where necessary, such as for text values.