Zoho CRM-Formula Field Update

💥 Exciting Upgrades to Formula Fields in Zoho CRM:

Zoho CRM just got smarter. Here’s what’s new with formula fields—and why they’ll make your life easier.

1. Auto‑Refresh Time‑Based Formulas with Now()

Ever noticed how formulas using the Now() function only update when you manually change a record? Hence, simply viewing a record often shows outdated data. Zoho now includes a handy checkbox—Automatically refresh formula fields containing the Now function in real time. Flip it on, and your formulas update every time you view or edit the record. No more guessing or stale data!
Keep in mind: This feature is limited to two Now() formula fields per module. Also, these fields do not trigger automations, nor can you use them in custom views or filters.

This now function helps to auto refresh calculation of the #formula field. Apart from the Now() we can also add the condition to stop the auto refresh feature.  

2. Stop Formula Execution Based on Criteria

Sometimes, you don’t want a formula running forever. For instance, once a deal is closed or a customer churns, you may want to "freeze" the calculation. With the new stop‑criteria option, you can do just that—halt calculations once certain conditions are met. Great for measuring how long a deal was in negotiation or how long a trial lasted.

Point to Remeber: If you enable both auto‑refresh and stop criteria, your formula fields cannot include multiline fields, picklists, or lookup fields

3. Use Existing Formula Field Inside Another Formula Field: 

Repeating complex logic manually is tedious and error‑prone. Now, Zoho CRM lets you reference existing formula fields inside new ones. That means you can combine smaller formulas into powerful, reusable logic—without rewriting everything from scratch. This makes maintaining formulas much cleaner and easier.

This new feature make the complex calculation easy. 

Why these update are important:

• Provide accuracy in real time: With the help of auto refresh. Time based metrics are always accurate/current.
• Control over formula field: By adding the condition to the formula field we can stop the formula field calculation when it's not required. 
•  Reuse Existing Formula: Will help to reduce repetition, avoid errors and east to track.