Developer: “Compiled formula is too big to execute (xxxxx characters). Maximum size is 5,000 characters,”

If you have ever hit this error “Compiled formula is too big to execute (xxxxx characters). Maximum size is 5,000 characters,” then it means that is it time to revisit the implemented formula
and refine it.

This does not in the literal sense mean that you have 5000 chars in your formula, it just means that there are either: too many nested IF's, formulas referring other formulas etc.

Following are some of the approaches that you can take to resolve this error:

• Use CASE Instead Of Nested IFs--Implementing this has usually worked for me
• Use Workflow Field Update--the formula field here has a larger capacity and hence might

       accomodate your formula but be careful to ensure that this update is executed only as needed

• Use an Apex Trigger

Thanks