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Can Microsoft Loop Tables Use Formulas Across Columns?

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to use functions for calculations like date differences, sums, and averages across columns in Microsoft Loop tables, and also generate charts using Mermaid with a work account.

Product: Microsoft Loop
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to perform cross-column calculations and generate visual charts natively within a Microsoft Loop workspace.
Observed behavior: Users are unable to find options for inter-column formulas, functions, or native Mermaid chart generation within Microsoft Loop tables.

Before you start

Verify that you are using the latest version of Microsoft Loop by refreshing your workspace, as Microsoft frequently rolls out new features to work accounts.

Solution 1Recommended

Understanding Microsoft Loop Formula Limitations and Submitting Feedback

Currently, Microsoft Loop does not support cross-column formulas or native Mermaid charts. The best course of action is to submit a feature request directly to Microsoft.

Microsoft Loop tables are designed for basic data organization and currently lack the advanced calculation engines found in dedicated spreadsheet software.

Additionally, because Mermaid is a third-party, non-Microsoft product, rendering its code directly within Loop requires explicit integration by the developers.

Acknowledge Formula Constraints

Recognize that functions for date differences, sums, and averages cannot currently be executed across columns in a native Microsoft Loop table.

Embed Excel Instead

As a temporary workaround, upload an Excel spreadsheet to OneDrive or SharePoint, and paste the sharing link into your Loop workspace to provide users access to a fully functional table.

Submit a Feature Request

Click the 'Help' or '...' (Settings) icon in the bottom right or top right corner of your Microsoft Loop interface, select 'Feedback', and submit a request detailing your need for formulas and Mermaid chart support.

Developer Updates: Microsoft actively monitors the Loop Feedback portal for user suggestions to prioritize future product updates.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office for Advanced Table Calculations and Charts

Since Microsoft Loop lacks support for complex formulas across columns and chart generation, WPS Spreadsheet offers a powerful, lightweight, and free solution for all your data calculation and visualization needs.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your device.
2. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheet to access a full-featured grid capable of executing advanced formulas.
3. Apply Formulas and Charts: Enter your data, easily apply cross-column formulas using standard syntax, and insert charts directly from the Insert tab.

Seamlessly fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls) formats.Extensive built-in functions for calculating sums, averages, and complex date differences.Rich native chart generation tools to visualize your table data effortlessly.Free and lightweight, providing a familiar user interface with no learning curve.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Microsoft Loop add formula support in future updates?

Microsoft continuously develops Loop based on user feedback. While not currently supported, high-demand features like cross-column formulas may be added in future updates if heavily requested via the Loop Feedback portal.

Can I use Mermaid to generate charts anywhere else in Microsoft 365?

While Microsoft Loop doesn't support Mermaid natively, Azure DevOps and certain GitHub integrations support Mermaid markdown for chart generation. For Office documents, dedicated chart features are recommended.

What is the best alternative to Loop for calculating data?

For active data calculation, dedicated spreadsheet applications like WPS Spreadsheet or Microsoft Excel are the best alternatives, as they natively support complex formulas, date differences, and charting capabilities.

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