Numerator Denominator Indicators
Understanding cumulative calculation methods for dependent indicators
Overview
LogAlto now supports multiple cumulative calculation methods for dependent indicators using numerator and denominator values.
This enhancement gives organizations more control over how Cumulative (Also known as: Actual project to date) values are calculated over time, especially for indicators that represent ratios or percentages.
The new setting is available through the indicator configuration side panel.
What changed
A new parameter called Cumulative over time calculation method has been added to dependent indicators.
This parameter determines how cumulative values are calculated across reporting periods.
Two calculation methods are now available:
- Ratio adjusted sum (existing behavior)
- Sum of numerator and denominator (new behavior)
The default behavior remains unchanged to preserve historical calculations and existing results.
To see the new options, in the indicator creation panel you must select indicator type: Numerator denominator and Relationship between progress and cumulative as Dependent.
Available calculation methods
Ratio adjusted sum
This is the historical LogAlto behavior and remains the default method for existing indicators.
With this method, cumulative percentages are calculated using the existing ratio adjustment logic already used in LogAlto.
Use this option when:
- your existing indicators already rely on the historical calculation method;
- you want to preserve consistency with previously reported values.
Sum of numerator and denominator
This new method calculates cumulative values by:
- summing all numerator values across periods;
- summing all denominator values across periods;
- recalculating the percentage using those cumulative totals.
Example
| Period | Numerator | Denominator | Progress |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1 | 2 | 4 | 50% |
| P2 | 3 | 6 | 50% |
Using the Sum of numerator and denominator method:
- Cumulative numerator = 2 + 3 = 5
- Cumulative denominator = 4 + 6 = 10
- Cumulative result = 5 / 10 = 50%
This method is particularly useful when numerator and denominator values represent additive quantities over time, such as:
- number of completed cases;
- observed population totals;
- validated records out of total records reviewed.
Where to configure this setting
- Open the indicator configuration panel.
- Locate the field Cumulative over time calculation method.
- Select the desired calculation method:
- Ratio adjusted sum
- Sum of numerator and denominator
- Save the indicator.
Important considerations
Existing indicators
Existing indicators continue using Ratio adjusted sum automatically.
No historical data or calculations are changed by this update.
Baseline calculations
The new method also applies to numerator and denominator baseline calculations.
Special handling has been added for cases where:
- numerator = 0
- denominator = 0
In these situations, the resulting value is automatically set to 0 instead of generating an invalid calculation.
Disaggregations and N/A categories
The cumulative calculation method also applies to:
- disaggregated values;
- automatically generated N/A categories.
Logframe and indicator duplication
When duplicating:
- logframes;
- mandatory indicators;
the selected cumulative calculation method is preserved.
Excel template support
The Excel template has been updated to support the new cumulative calculation method.
Users can now import and export indicators using this configuration.
Recommended usage
Use Sum of numerator and denominator when:
- numerator and denominator values can be meaningfully accumulated over time;
- you want cumulative percentages to reflect total observed volumes across all periods.
Use Ratio adjusted sum when:
- maintaining consistency with historical reporting is important;
- the existing cumulative logic better matches your reporting methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Will this change affect existing indicators?
No. Existing indicators continue using the historical Ratio adjusted sum method unless manually changed.
Can I change the method later?
Yes. The calculation method can be updated from the indicator configuration panel.
However, changing the method may affect cumulative values already displayed in reports and dashboards.
Does this apply to all indicator types?
This feature mainly applies to dependent indicators using numerator and denominator calculations.