BC Tip #2 - Inline Calculations in Business Central

Hello everyone, my name is Ben Cole and this is my second video in a series of weekly tips for D365 Business Central. In this quick guide I’ll show you a simple but powerful feature that saves time and removes the need for doing math outside of the user interface: inline calculations inside the Business Central. Whether you're entering quantities, unit prices, discounts, etc. you can now do basic math directly in the fields in Business Central.

Table of Contents

• Why inline calculations matter

• How to use inline calculations (quick steps)

• Practical examples

• Tips and best practices

• Conclusion

• FAQ

Why inline calculations matter

Gone are the days of having to grab a calculator before entering data. Inline calculations let you perform arithmetic right where you type—add, subtract, multiply, and divide—so data entry is faster and less error-prone. If mental math isn’t your strong suit, this is a game changer.

How to use inline calculations (quick steps)

1. Click into any numeric field such as Quantity, Unit Price, or Discount.

2. Type your calculation using standard operators: +, -, * (multiply), / (divide).

3. Press Enter (or tab to the next field). Business Central evaluates the expression and fills the field with the result.

   
   

That’s it—no separate calculator required.

Practical examples

Multiply a quantity

Want to enter a quantity where you have to break down for units? Type the multiplication expression directly into the Quantity field. For example:

• Type 5*8 → result: 40

Divide for unit price

When splitting a large total into unit prices, you can divide right in the Unit Price field. For example:

• Type 10000/8 → result: 1250

Calculate discounts quickly

Need to convert a discount into a percentage or a value? Type the expression into the Discount field. For example:

• Type 100/20 → result: 5 (interpreted as a 5% discount)

Tips and best practices

• Use simple operators: +, -, *, and / work well for most needs.

• Check results: After entering an expression, verify the calculated value to ensure it reflects what you intended.

• Numeric fields only: Inline calculations are for fields that accept numeric input (quantities, prices, discounts, etc.).

• Save time: Especially useful for repetitive data entry or complex orders where quick arithmetic is needed.

Conclusion

Inline calculations are a small feature with a big impact—faster data entry, fewer mistakes, and a smoother workflow.

If you find yourself reaching for a calculator during order entry or invoicing, try typing the math directly into the field next time.

If you found this helpful, explore more D365 Business Central tips to keep improving your workflow and efficiency.

FAQ

Which operations are supported?

Basic arithmetic operations are supported: addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), and division (/).

Where can I use inline calculations?

Any numeric input field in the Business Central UI that accepts manual entry—common examples include Quantity, Unit Price, and Discount fields.

Do I need to enable anything to use this feature?

No special setup is typically required; it’s a built-in capability of the Business Central user interface. If it doesn’t work for you, check field permissions or customizations that may affect input behavior.

Will complex expressions work (parentheses, multiple operators)?

Simple expressions with a single operator are the most reliable. For more complex calculations, test the expression first to confirm the result behaves as expected in your environment.

Any final advice?

Use inline calculations to speed up routine data entry, but always double-check values for high-stakes transactions. It’s a great shortcut that reduces friction and helps avoid small manual errors.