Power Automate (WDL) function
variables — Power Automate (WDL) function reference
Read a flow variable.
Syntax
wdl
variables('name')Examples
wdl
variables('counter')→ Variable value
wdl
add(variables('counter'), 1)→ The counter variable plus one
wdl
concat(variables('firstName'), ' ', variables('lastName'))→ A concatenated full name
Common mistakes & gotchas
- The variable must already be created by an "Initialize variable" action earlier in the flow's execution order — referencing it before that action runs throws "the template language function 'variables' ... property ... doesn't exist".
- Variable names are case-sensitive and must match the name given in Initialize variable exactly.
Related Workflow Definition Language functions
From Referencing data
Used in these tutorials
From Breaking to Resilient: Three Error-Handling Strategies in Power AutomatePower Automate Select Action: Beyond Basic Column Picking – 5 Advanced TransformationsNamed Formulas in Power Apps: Streamlining Logic and ConfigurationMastering Table Variables in Copilot Studio: Add, Remove, and Clear via YAML