# Getting Started with Computed Fields

Source: https://userguide.qualytics.io/fields/computed-fields/getting-started/

A **Computed Field** is a derived field attached to a container. You declare a transformation and the source fields it reads; Qualytics stores the definition on the container and evaluates it when the container is profiled or scanned. The derived value appears alongside the container's native fields and can be profiled, referenced by quality checks, and monitored the same way.

Four transformation types cover the common shapes: **Cast** for data-type conversion, **Cleaned Entity Name** for stripping business signifiers, **Convert Formatted Numeric** for formatted-string amounts, and **Custom Expression** for any valid Spark SQL expression across one or more source fields.

![Add Computed Field modal with fields for Name, Transformation Type, Description, and Additional Metadata](https://userguide.qualytics.io/assets/fields/computed-fields/getting-started/add-computed-field-modal.png)

> **Info: Permissions**
>
> You need the **Member** user role and one of the following on the parent datastore to add, edit, or delete a Computed Field: the **Editor** team permission, or the **Author** team permission when you are (or will be) the owner of the Computed Field. Viewing one requires the **Reporter** team permission (or above) on the datastore. See the [Permissions](https://userguide.qualytics.io/fields/computed-fields/deep-dive/permissions/) page for the full matrix.

## Deep Dive

- **Introduction**

  What a Computed Field is, when to reach for one, and how it differs from a regular field.

  [Introduction](https://userguide.qualytics.io/fields/computed-fields/deep-dive/introduction/)
- **How It Works**

  Execution model, when values are computed, and how Computed Fields interact with Sync and Profile.

  [How It Works](https://userguide.qualytics.io/fields/computed-fields/deep-dive/how-it-works/)
- **Transformation Types**

  Reference for every transformation type available: Cast, Cleaned Entity Name, Convert Formatted Numeric, and Custom Expression.

  [Transformation Types](https://userguide.qualytics.io/fields/computed-fields/deep-dive/transformation-types/)
- **Computed Field vs Computed Container**

  Side-by-side with Computed Tables, Files, and Joins. When to pick per-field derivation over a whole computed container.

  [Comparison](https://userguide.qualytics.io/fields/computed-fields/deep-dive/computed-field-vs-computed-container/)
- **Cost and Performance**

  Where the cost of a Computed Field lives and how transformation choice affects Profile and Scan runtime.

  [Cost and Performance](https://userguide.qualytics.io/fields/computed-fields/deep-dive/cost-and-performance/)
- **Examples**

  Production Computed Field scenarios with the transformation choice for each.

  [Examples](https://userguide.qualytics.io/fields/computed-fields/deep-dive/examples/)
- **Best Practices**

  Naming, transformation choice, metadata, and coping with source-field drift.

  [Best Practices](https://userguide.qualytics.io/fields/computed-fields/deep-dive/best-practices/)
- **Permissions**

  Who can view, create, edit, and delete a Computed Field, plus the Author-and-owner hybrid gate.

  [Permissions](https://userguide.qualytics.io/fields/computed-fields/deep-dive/permissions/)

---

## How-tos

- **Add a Computed Field**

  Walk through the Add Computed Field modal from container selection to Save.

  [Add](https://userguide.qualytics.io/fields/computed-fields/how-tos/add/)
- **Edit a Computed Field**

  Change the transformation, description, or metadata of an existing Computed Field.

  [Edit](https://userguide.qualytics.io/fields/computed-fields/how-tos/edit/)
- **Delete a Computed Field**

  Permanently remove a Computed Field and understand the impact on quality checks and anomalies.

  [Delete](https://userguide.qualytics.io/fields/computed-fields/how-tos/delete/)

---

## Reference

- **API**

  REST endpoints to add, edit, delete, and read Computed Fields programmatically.

  [API](https://userguide.qualytics.io/fields/computed-fields/api/)
- **FAQ**

  Answers to common questions about Computed Fields: transformation choices, lifecycle, and behavior across Profile and Scan.

  [FAQ](https://userguide.qualytics.io/fields/computed-fields/faq/)

*Last updated: July 14, 2026.*