> 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/add-visual-column/reference-column.md).

# Reference Column

A reference column joins tables through matching columns and displays related data from another table directly within the current table. This allows you to access information from related tables without duplicating the data.

This article explains the steps to insert a reference column that references data from another table using an example.

### Add Reference column

Consider the following example: you add a reference column to the *Products* table that references and displays order dates from the *Sales* table.

1. To add a reference column, go to **PowerTable** > **Insert Column** > **Visual Column** > **Add Reference Column**.

<figure><img src="/files/zOH8tqo3yao97noNXO7z" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. In the side panel, enter a name for the column.
3. Use **Input Type** to select the column's input type based on what you want to reference. Depending on the chosen type, the reference columns are available for selection. For example, if you choose **Date**, all date columns will be available for selection.

<figure><img src="/files/wVE1p0DYRSQDUYmPN26G" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. Select the schema, reference table name, and the reference column to display.\
   In this example, *Sales* is the reference table and *Order Date* is the reference column.

<figure><img src="/files/fiCqpblyov9oQBvLTl73" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

5. Enable [**Match multiple**](#match-multiple-records) to retrieve multiple values from all matching records in the reference table.
6. Select the matching column between the current table and the reference table.

{% hint style="info" %}

#### Note

Matching column is used to map the records and retrieve values from the reference table.&#x20;

When tables have multiple matching columns and you choose a different matching column, PowerTable uses the new column mappings to match records and retrieve reference values.
{% endhint %}

7. Select **Save**.

The reference column is added.

<figure><img src="/files/ZymTZmME0nKSsx0Nb4PV" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}

#### Note

Reference columns are non-editable, and their values only change when the underlying column values change.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}

#### Tip

Use the **Display** tab in the **Add Reference Column** side panel to specify how the values have to be displayed. To know more, see [Display](/documentation/readme/powertable-sheets/how-tos/configure-column-properties.md#display).
{% endhint %}

#### Match multiple records

**Match multiple** allows the reference column to retrieve values from multiple matching records in the reference table. The values are displayed&#x20;

When disabled, the matching columns should identify a single latest record in the reference table. Enable this option when a record in the current table can be associated with multiple matching records in the reference table.

<figure><img src="/files/32omMMEYDCPBi7f1Tnn4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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