I’m wondering if Zapier can perform sophisticated mathematical computations as part of a workflow step. My goal is to compute heat stress index values using weather data from our station’s API. I need to first calculate the radiant heat temperature using this equation:
Trad = [(R * (1 - reflectance) / (emissivity * boltzmann)) + Tair^4 + (1.1 × 10^8 * Tair) / (windspeed + 2.7)]^(1/4)
Where:
- Trad = Radiant heat temperature (Kelvin)
- R = Solar radiation (W/m²)
- reflectance = Surface reflectance (0.05 typical)
- emissivity = Surface emissivity (0.95 typical)
- boltzmann = Stefan-Boltzmann constant (5.67 × 10⁻⁸ W/m²K⁴)
- Tair = Ambient temperature (Kelvin)
- windspeed = Wind velocity (m/s)
Then I’d use that result in the heat stress calculation:
HSI = 0.7 * Twet + 0.2 * Trad + 0.1 * Tdry
Where:
- HSI = Heat Stress Index (°C)
- Twet = Wet bulb temperature (°C)
- Trad = Radiant heat temperature (°C)
- Tdry = Dry bulb temperature (°C)
Zapier’s math functions are pretty basic - they won’t handle complex formulas like yours. But you can use Code by Zapier with Python or JavaScript. I’ve done similar calculations in Python workflows before. Just import the math library and write custom functions for your radiant heat temperature equation. You’ll need to code each formula step manually though. For something this math-heavy, consider using a webhook to send data to a dedicated calculation service or a Python script hosted elsewhere that returns results to Zapier. Code action works but debugging gets tedious with complex formulas.
Zapier’s built-in math won’t handle heat stress calculations - I’ve tried. You’ll need Code by Zapier with JavaScript instead. I’ve gotten similar workflows working this way. Break your complex equations into separate functions, then chain them together. For radiant temperature formulas, be careful with fourth power calculations and constants. Here’s the catch: JavaScript’s floating point math can mess up constants like Stefan-Boltzmann. Test your results against manual calculations first. Alternative approach that’s worked for me - set up a simple Node.js service on any cloud platform to handle the heavy math, then call it via webhook from Zapier.
i tried using zapier for complex math, but it doesn’t handle it well. u might wanna look into custom code options or even other platforms that are better suited for that. just a thought!