Operator10 formulas for sums and averages are critical for calculating your numbers. Adding or averaging multiple streams is routine—until one reading is missing. In Operator10, using the SUM() and AVERAGE() functions avoids blank-related math errors and keeps your totals and means correct.
Why plus signs can fail
A simple expression like A + B + C only returns a value if all three location parameters have data for that date. If any are blank, the calculation won’t produce a result. That’s expected behavior for straight addition/subtraction in Operator10.
Use SUM() to total nonblank values
Wrap your references in SUM(). Operator10 totals the values that exist and skips blanks, so you still get a correct combined flow (or other total) on days with partial data. Instead of Influent + EQ + Effluent, write SUM([Influent:Flow], [EQ:Flow], [Effluent:Flow]). If one or two streams are empty for the day, the function still returns the correct total from the nonblank inputs.
Use AVERAGE() for a true mean
Similarly, AVERAGE() computes the mean of the values that exist. You don’t have to change the divisor from 3 to 2 on days with missing readings—Operator10 handles it. For staggered sampling or intermittent sources, AVERAGE() adds the available values and divides by the count of nonblank entries automatically.
Verify with the test tools
Pick a date with data and click Test to preview the result. To see exactly which inputs you’re using, highlight a location-parameter token (bracket to bracket) and click the exclamation icon—Operator10 shows the value for that date. No data yet? Enable Use values from test data, enter sample numbers in the order shown, and confirm your logic before you save.
Quick setup tips
- Attach your formula to the location parameter where you want the result stored (not the raw input fields).
- If the formula depends on other formula results, check Calculation Order so prerequisites run first.
- Need a refresher on available functions? Open Formula Help and browse by group or alphabetically to find SUM, AVERAGE, and other helpers.
Where this shines
- Combined flows when one train is offline
- Averages of lab results with staggered sampling
- Any calculation that must gracefully ignore blanks
Next step: Start using Operator10 formulas for sums and averages in your operations. Check out Operator10 Water → or Operator10 Wastewater →
