Benchling's Result tables are structured tables within the lab notebook entry that enable your team to capture, standardize, and analyze experimental or assay data efficiently. They link results directly to registered entities, ensuring data consistency and facilitating downstream analysis.
Result tables need to be configured to meet your specific needs based on the type of experiments and assays you perform.
Use Result tables in Notebook entries
The example below shows a Result table inserted into a lab notebook entry. The tested Cell Line entity is entered in the Cell Line column. The Viability (%) and Cells/mL columns are used to record the metrics for this assay.
Insert a Result table
- In your Notebook entry, click Insert then select Result table
- Select the desired Result table from the dropdown and click Insert
Add entities to a Result table
To add the entity you are analyzing to a Result table, you can:
- Click the blue + icon next to the table title
- Choose one of the following options:
- Add from structured table: Pull entities from other structured tables within the same Notebook entry
- Add from worklist: Add entities listed in a pre-defined worklist
- Add from spreadsheet: Upload entities and corresponding results in bulk
Submit the Result table
To capture your results after entering the data, click the blue Submit button in the top-right corner.
Unsubmitted rows are indicated by a blue line on the left; these won't appear in the Registry until submitted. Ensure all required fields are filled and data types are correct to avoid submission errors, rows with errors are indicated by a red line on the left
Note: Benchling supports a number of formulas that allow users to perform calculations in the Result table. To learn more about common table formulas, see the linked article.
Archive results
To archive incorrect or invalid results:
- Right-click on the row you want to archive and select Archive row
- Mark your archived results as Made in error, Archived or Other
- Archived rows will be marked by a gray line on the far left side of the row
Use lookup columns in Result tables
Lookup columns allow you to pull information from related entities directly into your Result table, allowing you to conveniently view information about your sample without leaving the entry.
Add a lookup column
- Right click on the column in your Result table where you want to add your lookup column
- Click Insert lookup column left or Insert lookup column right
- Configure your lookup column
For more on configuring lookup columns, see the linked article.
View Results in the Registry
Submitted results are accessible in the Registry, linked to their respective entities. To view the results:
- Navigate to the desired entity in the Registry
- Click on the Results tab to view all associated data
- Each result includes a link back to the originating Notebook entry, who created the result and when it was created
Additional tips and considerations
Validation rules and error handling
Benchling enforces validation rules based on your Result schema:
- Required fields must be completed before submission. If any required field is left empty, the system will prompt you to fill it
- Data types must match the schema (e.g., number, text, dropdown). Invalid entries will prevent submission
- Submission errors will be highlighted directly in the Result table, often with inline messaging or a warning symbol
Bulk actions and editing rows
You can edit multiple rows manually by navigating through cells with your keyboard or mouse.
- Deleting rows: Right-click a row number and select Delete row
- Reordering rows: Hover over the row number and drag the row
Audit Trail and Change History
Benchling maintains full audit logs for Result tables.
- Recent changes: A blue triangle indicates an updated value. Hover over it to see recent changes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of files can I attach to a Result table?
A: Most file types are supported, including images and PDFs, with a default size limit of 2 GB.
Q: What is the row limit in Result tables?
A: Result tables cannot have more than 1000 rows
Q: How do attachments show up in the UI?
A: Most attachments will show up as a "chip" linking in Benchling. Both in the results table in your entry and on the Results Tab on your entity page. Images will show up as images. PDF’s will show up as a chip. Hovering over your inserted attachment with your mouse will reveal a link to download your attachment.
Q: How do attachments show up in the data warehouse?
A: Attachments show up as URL links to the attachment location in the data warehouse.