Cognito Forms

Cognito Forms Review: Advanced Calculations and Complex Form Logic

Cognito Forms targets the use case that visual-first builders avoid: forms requiring sophisticated data relationships, multi-row data entry, and mathematical calculations across field values. Where Typeform optimises for conversational simplicity, Cognito Forms optimises for data complexity.

Repeating Sections

Cognito Forms' repeating sections enable table-like data entry within a single form — respondents add rows to capture multiple items of the same type. An expense report form has a repeating section where each row captures date, vendor, category, and amount; the form totals all rows automatically. This pattern — standard in spreadsheets but rare in form builders — covers operational use cases that single-answer forms cannot.

Calculation Engine

Cognito Forms' calculation system references any field value in mathematical expressions, date calculations, and conditional logic. Calculations can sum repeating section rows, compute totals with tax, calculate days between date fields, or conditionally show different fee structures based on selections. For quote builders, registration fees with early-bird pricing, and scoring forms, this calculation power is essential.

Free Plan Generosity

The free plan allows one form with unlimited entries — making it the best free option for organisations that have one primary complex form (an annual survey, a grant application, an internal request form) and want full feature access without payment.

Score: 8.2/10 — Best form builder for complex calculations and multi-row data entry; less polished UX and smaller ecosystem than consumer-focused alternatives.