Auto-Sum for Selected Column in Alteryx

Hi Alteryx Community,

I I have made selection of columns in a dataset dynamic using List Box tool. Furthermore, I want to add a functionality where I can make the Summarize tool to give me the sum of only that column which gets selected in the list box tool without any manual intervention.

Reason behind this - with this I will be able to derive results for multiple files using this single workflow.

Dynamic Summarize.yxwz

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Accepted answers

Pilsner

Hello @MudgilNiket

If you are just trying to sum a single column, I would recommend using the "dropdown" and "action" tools to overwrite the summarise tool configuration. You may need two action tools, one to overwrite the column selected (the column you want to sum) and one to overwrite the rename value within the summarise.

Screenshot 2025-07-21 165606.png

I have left your original select tool and list box combo in there too however you must make sure you select both the column you want to sum in both the list box, and dropdown sections of the interface. Alternatively, you could just remove the select tool.

Screenshot 2025-07-21 170048.png

I've attached the workflow below to try and help further.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Regards - Pilsner

Dynamic Summarize.yxwz

All comments

Aaron_Foster

If I understand what you're trying to achieve correctly, you should try attaching the action tool to your Summarize tool and not the Select tool.

abacon

@MudgilNiket Try this thread, it should get you what you want. It uses a Transpose and Cross Tab to get the answer you are looking for without getting too complicated.

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Desktop-Discussions/Dynamic-Summarize/m-p/953698#M234675

Bacon

Auto-Sum for Selected Column.yxwz

Pilsner

Screenshot 2025-07-21 165606.png

Screenshot 2025-07-21 170048.png

I've attached the workflow below to try and help further.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Regards - Pilsner

Dynamic Summarize.yxwz

apathetichell

hey --- the easiest way to do this is attach a dynamic rename tool. use the dynamic rename tool in formula mode to change the column name selected to a static name (like TEST)

have the summarize tool configured to sum TEST.

use another action tool/dyanmic rename combo to replace the TEST dummy name with the real name.

Do not try to use an action tool to update the summarize tool dynamically. This is much harder and requires better error handling.

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