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 |
| Multiple lines of text |  No |
No |
No |
No |
| Choice | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Number | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Currency | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Date and Time | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Lookup | Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes(Use only to count number of items) |
| Lookup (projected field) | Yes |
N/A | No |
No |
| Yes/No | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Person or Group | Yes |
Yes(No people picker) |
No |
No |
| Hyperlink or Picture | Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Calculated | Yes |
N/A | No |
Yes |
| External Data | Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
| External Data (projected field) | Yes |
N/A | Yes |
Yes |
| Managed Metadata | Yes |
No |
No |
No |
| (Special) ID | Yes |
N/A | No* |
No |
| (Special) Created By | Yes |
N/A | No |
No |
| (Special) Created On | Yes |
N/A | Yes |
Yes |
| (Special) Modified By | Yes |
N/A | No |
No |
| (Special) Modified On | Yes |
N/A | Yes |
Yes |
| (Special) Version | Yes |
N/A | No |
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”
Thanks for the nice summary.
If you use [ID] as a reference you can also use the id in a calculated column
Tnx Tomas. I updated post to match this.