---
title: How To Automatically Calculate a Rollup Column with Power Automate
description: Learn how to automatically recalculate Dataverse rollup columns using Power Automate for real-time data updates in Power Apps.
---

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# [How To Automatically Calculate a Rollup Column with Power Automate](https://pragmaticworks.com/blog/how-to-automatically-calculate-a-rollup-column-with-power-automate)

 Written by [Nate Halliwell](https://pragmaticworks.com/blog/author/nate-halliwell) | Apr 22, 2026

In a recent Pragmatic Works tutorial, the presenter explores how to automatically recalculate rollup columns in Dataverse using Power Automate. Rollup columns are a powerful feature, but they only recalculate hourly by default, making real-time data reporting challenging. This guide walks through how to automate rollup column calculations on demand.

 

 

#### What Are Rollup Columns?

Rollup columns in Dataverse automatically calculate aggregated values from related tables, such as the total number of job applicants for a job opening. However, they refresh only once per hour by default, which can be a limitation when real-time reporting is required.

#### The Challenge

In the scenario presented, a customer needed the rollup column for the number of job applicants to update immediately after a new applicant was added. Waiting an hour was not an acceptable solution for their reporting needs. Power Automate provides a way to trigger an instant recalculation.

#### Using Power Automate to Trigger Rollup Recalculation

The tutorial demonstrates how to create a Power Automate flow that recalculates a rollup column automatically whenever a new record is added.

#### Step 1: Setting Up the Power Automate Flow

1. **Create a New Flow:** 
     - Navigate to the Power Automate portal and create a new automated cloud flow.
     - Set the trigger as *“When a row is added, modified, or deleted”* for the job applications table.
2. **Define the Trigger Conditions:** 
     - Configure the flow to trigger when a new job application record is added.
     - Set the scope to the organization level to ensure comprehensive coverage.

#### Step 2: Configuring the HTTP Request Action

To force a rollup column recalculation, the presenter uses the Dataverse Web API with Power Automate. This involves making an HTTP request using a pre-authorized Microsoft Entra connector.

1. **Add the HTTP Action:** 
     - Search for *“HTTP with Microsoft Entra”* in Power Automate.
     - Select the *pre-authorized* connector to simplify authentication.
2. **Configure the HTTP Request:** 
     - Set the method to *GET*.
     - Paste the environment’s web API endpoint (found under Power Apps settings > Developer Resources).

#### Step 3: Constructing the API Request URL

The API request requires three components:

- **Base URL:** Retrieved from the developer resources panel in Power Apps.
- **Entity Set Name:** The pluralized logical name of the table.
- **Field Name:** The logical name of the rollup column being calculated.

The presenter demonstrates how to locate the entity set name and rollup column name using Power Apps advanced tools.

#### Step 4: Adding Dynamic Content to the Flow

The final step involves dynamically passing the record ID (GUID) into the API call.

- The *Opening* field is selected from the job applications table.
- The flow dynamically retrieves the record ID and calculates the rollup column for the corresponding job opening.

#### Step 5: Testing the Flow

The presenter tests the automation by submitting a new job application. Within seconds, the rollup column updates automatically, reflecting the new applicant count without waiting for the default hourly refresh.

#### Key Benefits of This Approach

- **Real-Time Data Updates:** Rollup columns update instantly after a record change.
- **Automated Workflow:** No manual intervention required for recalculations.
- **Simplified API Integration:** The pre-authorized Entra connector reduces authentication complexity.

#### Conclusion

This Power Automate solution is ideal for scenarios where real-time data updates are essential, such as job applicant tracking. By using Dataverse's Web API and the pre-authorized Entra connector, organizations can automate rollup column recalculations efficiently. 

Don't forget to check out the [Pragmatic Works' on-demand learning platform](https://learning.pragmaticworkstraining.com/freeTrial/MarketingSiteODLTrial) for more insightful content and training sessions on Power Automate and other Microsoft applications. Be sure to subscribe to the [Pragmatic Works YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/pragmaticworks?sub_confirmation=1) to stay up-to-date on the latest tips and tricks.

[View full post](https://pragmaticworks.com/blog/how-to-automatically-calculate-a-rollup-column-with-power-automate)

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