Conditional Equations

Conditional equations let you include comparison logic in league table column and player statistic formulas. Instead of a pure arithmetic expression, you can write a formula where a sub-expression evaluates to 1 (true) or 0 (false) based on a comparison, and then multiply that result into a larger calculation.

This feature is provided by the Conditional Equations module, which is bundled with the core SportsPress plugin at includes/sportspress/modules/sportspress-conditional-equations.php.

Comparison Operators

When the Conditional Equations module is active, the following operators are added to the equation builder palette under Operators:

Button	Meaning
`>`	Greater than
`<`	Less than
`≡` (stored as `==`)	Equal to
`≠` (stored as `!=`)	Not equal to
`≥` (stored as `>=`)	Greater than or equal to
`≤` (stored as `<=`)	Less than or equal to

These operators are available in the equation builder for Table Columns and Player Statistics.

How Evaluation Works

A conditional sub-expression in parentheses evaluates to either 1 (the condition is true) or 0 (the condition is false).

The general pattern is:

( left_operand operator right_operand ) * value_if_true

Because a true condition returns 1 and a false condition returns 0, multiplying by the condition acts as an if/then gate: the value is included when the condition is true and zeroed out when it is false.

To express an if/then/else structure, combine two conditional expressions:

( condition ) * value_if_true + ( negated_condition ) * value_if_false

Or more simply, since the two branches are mutually exclusive:

( condition ) * value_if_true + ( 1 - ( condition ) ) * value_if_false

Examples

Cap a value at a maximum

To give at most 3 points for a win but cap it so goal difference over 10 does not add extra:

$win * 3 + ( ($goalsfor - $goalsagainst) > 10 ) * 0

A simpler cap example — limit goal difference to a maximum of 10:

( ($goalsfor - $goalsagainst) > 10 ) * 10 + ( ($goalsfor - $goalsagainst) <= 10 ) * ($goalsfor - $goalsagainst)

When $goalsfor - $goalsagainst is greater than 10, the first branch returns 10. When it is 10 or less, the second branch returns the actual difference.

Handicap scoring

To add a bonus point when goals for exceed goals against by more than 2:

$win * 3 + ( ($goalsfor - $goalsagainst) > 2 ) * 1

The ( ($goalsfor - $goalsagainst) > 2 ) sub-expression evaluates to 1 when the condition is met and 0 otherwise. Multiplying by 1 adds a bonus point only in that case.

Zero out a value conditionally

To show goal difference only when positive (otherwise show 0):

( ($goalsfor - $goalsagainst) > 0 ) * ($goalsfor - $goalsagainst)

Nested Conditions

Conditions can be nested inside larger expressions. The equation engine evaluates innermost parentheses first. You can wrap a conditional expression in outer parentheses and combine it with other operators.

For example:

( ( $goalsfor > $goalsagainst ) * 3 ) + ( ( $goalsfor == $goalsagainst ) * 1 )

This awards 3 points if goals for exceed goals against, 1 point if equal, and 0 otherwise.

When to Use Conditional Equations vs Regular Equations

Use a regular arithmetic equation when the calculation is always the same formula regardless of values — for example, $win * 3 + $draw * 1.

Use a conditional equation when the result depends on which range a value falls in, when you need to cap or floor a value, or when you want to include a bonus or penalty that only applies under certain conditions.

Do not use conditional equations for simple win/loss/draw point assignments. The standard approach is to use $win * 3 + $draw * 1 without conditions. Reserve conditional expressions for cases where the point value or displayed value changes based on the magnitude of a result.

Building Conditional Equations in the Builder

Open the edit screen for a Table Column or Player Statistic.
In the Equation meta box, use the Operators row in the palette to click ( to open a parenthesis group.
Add the left operand variable (for example, click a Result token like Goals for).
Click the - operator and another variable to form a difference.
Click the comparison operator (for example > for greater than).
Click a constant (for example 10).
Click ) to close the parenthesis group.
Click * and then the value to multiply by when the condition is true.
Add + and the fallback expression for the false case if needed.
Click Publish or Update to save.

The stored equation is a space-separated string such as ( $goalsfor - $goalsagainst > 10 ) * 10. You can inspect or edit this string directly if needed by reading the sp_equation post meta value.