SharePoint Columns – Features and limitations

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in ,

SharePoint list columns are very easy to use and configure. However when working with customers you will hear many different questions related to columns e.g.: “Can I edit managed metadata column in datasheet view?”.

I made the following table for my own reference and I am sharing it with you. The table lists features and limits of SharePoint columns related to various questions you might be asked.

Column Type Ad-hoc filter & sort Edit in Datasheet view Use in calculated columns Use for Lookup columns
Single line of text yes Yes yes Yes yes Yes yes Yes
Multiple lines of text No No No No
Choice yes Yes yes Yes yes Yes No
Number yes Yes yes Yes yes Yes yes Yes
Currency yes Yes yes Yes yes Yes No
Date and Time yes Yes yes Yes yes Yes yes Yes
Lookup yes Yes yes Yes No yes Yes(Use only to count number of items)
Lookup (projected field) yes Yes N/A No No
Yes/No yes Yes yes Yes yes Yes No
Person or Group yes Yes yes Yes(No people picker) No No
Hyperlink or Picture yes Yes yes Yes No No
Calculated yes Yes N/A No yes Yes
External Data yes Yes No yes Yes No
External Data (projected field) yes Yes N/A yes Yes yes Yes
Managed Metadata yes Yes No No No
(Special) ID yes Yes N/A No* No
(Special) Created By yes Yes N/A No No
(Special) Created On yes Yes N/A yes Yes yes Yes
(Special) Modified By yes Yes N/A No No
(Special) Modified On yes Yes N/A yes Yes yes Yes
(Special) Version yes Yes N/A No yes Yes

* Update 2014-03-25: Thomas says you can use [ID] to use this special column in a calculated column.



Comments

2 responses to “SharePoint Columns – Features and limitations”

  1. Thanks for the nice summary.

    If you use [ID] as a reference you can also use the id in a calculated column

  2. Toni Frankola Avatar
    Toni Frankola

    Tnx Tomas. I updated post to match this.


Hey there! I’m Toni, the Co-Founder and CEO of Syskit, creators of Syskit Point and SPDocKit. Welcome to Toni on Tech, where we explore the ever-evolving world of software, technology, and business.