diff --git a/rowers/dataprep.py b/rowers/dataprep.py
index 3f062027..3f81d02e 100644
--- a/rowers/dataprep.py
+++ b/rowers/dataprep.py
@@ -490,9 +490,12 @@ def clean_df_stats(datadf, workstrokesonly=True, ignorehr=True,
     # try to guess ignoreadvanced
     if not ignoreadvanced:
         for metric in advancedcols:
-            sum = datadf[metric].std()
-            if sum == 0 or np.isnan(sum):
-                ignoreadvanced = True
+            try:
+                sum = datadf[metric].std()
+                if sum == 0 or np.isnan(sum):
+                    ignoreadvanced = True
+            except KeyError:
+                pass
 
     if not ignoreadvanced:
         try: