Math Operation Action: Calculate Values Inside a Workflow

The Math Operation action sits inside the workflow builder and does simple arithmetic on custom field values as a contact moves through an automation. You pick two inputs, an operation (add, subtract, multiply, divide), and a custom field to write the result into.

This matters because a lot of follow-up logic depends on a number that nobody wants to calculate by hand: days since last visit, total lifetime jobs, a renewal date pushed out by a set interval, or a lead score built from tag weights. Instead of exporting contacts to figure this out, the workflow updates a custom field automatically every time the trigger fires, so your other workflows and smart lists can filter on a number that stays current.

The catch is that both inputs have to already exist as number-type custom fields, so if you are pulling in a date, you often need a separate step to convert it before the math runs. Test the action on one contact first and check the output field, because a mismatched field type will just write a blank or a zero instead of throwing an obvious error.

How to use it

1. Go to Automation > Workflows and open the workflow you want to edit
2. Click the plus icon to add an action and search for Math Operation
3. Select your two number custom fields and choose add, subtract, multiply or divide
4. Pick or create the custom field that will store the result
5. Run the workflow on one test contact and confirm the output field updates

Who it helps

Service business owners and admins who track intervals like recall dates, visit counts or lead scores across contacts.

Related: Custom calculations like this are exactly the kind of workflow logic this service builds and maintains for you.