> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.fabricplan.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.fabricplan.com/documentation/readme/powertable-sheets/how-tos/adding-columns-overview.md).

# Add Columns - Overview

As your business requirements evolve, you may need to capture new types of information in your tables. Powertable allows you to add columns to an existing table at any time, making it easier to adjust your table structure as your needs change without having to rebuild the table.

Using this feature, you can:

* Add and manage database columns directly from the powertable sheet, without having to write any queries.
* Add columns only to the powertable sheet to manage additional data without affecting the source database.
* Choose from various column types such as data, formula, lookup, reference, attachment, roll up, button, and others to capture and manage information in the manner that best suits your needs.

### Adding new column

You can add a new column to a table in the following scenarios:

#### **During table creation**

Use **Add column** during the initial table configuration to create and configure additional columns alongside the imported columns.

<figure><img src="/files/ecGMUubiaiLqUBlE4mRk" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **After a table has been created or connected**

After a table has been created or connected, you can add new columns at any time using **Insert Column**.

<figure><img src="/files/65qmgZHqhd3bqu5l3lem" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Alternatively, select **Setup** > **Columns** and use the *Add Column* options available during column configuration.

<figure><img src="/files/F1wp3ytS5XiumA8S642R" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The following sections describe how to add visual columns, database columns, and formula columns to an existing table.

* [**Visual columns**](/documentation/readme/powertable-sheets/how-tos/adding-columns-overview/add-visual-column.md) are inserted only within the PowerTable sheet. These are not added to the source database.\
  Examples include **multi-select relationship** columns, **reference** columns, **relation** columns, **roll up**, **button**, and **attachment columns.**
* [**Database columns**](/documentation/readme/powertable-sheets/how-tos/adding-columns-overview/add-database-column.md) are added to the underlying database and become part of the table schema.
* [**Formula columns**](/documentation/readme/powertable-sheets/how-tos/adding-columns-overview/add-formula-column.md) can be configured to be either visual or database columns. Use formula columns to calculate values based on formulas and display the results in the table.


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