topic How to Delete Multiple Observations in a SAS Data Set Using the _n_ Variable and In Statement Hi! I in SAS Programming

How to Delete Multiple Observations in a SAS Data Set Using the _n_ Variable and In Statement Hi! I

JackZ295 — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 03:21:00 GMT

Hi! I am trying to delete rows in a SAS data set that does not have data in specific rows. Is it possible to do it by including the variable for the Obs column (i.e., the variable _n_)?

I used the following Data Step, but it did not seem to work (rows 809-868 do not have data, and I am trying to delete those rows):

data two; set one; if _n_ >=809 or _n_<=868 then delete; run;

Any input regarding this would be much appreciated!

Re: How to Delete Multiple Observations in a SAS Data Set Using the _n_ Variable and In Statement Hi

SASKiwi — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 03:34:19 GMT

If you are wanting to delete rows in a certain range try this:

data two; 
  set one; 
  if 809 <= _n_ <= 868 then delete; 
run;

Re: How to Delete Multiple Observations in a SAS Data Set Using the _n_ Variable and In Statement Hi

JackZ295 — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 03:38:43 GMT

Thanks @SASKiwi! I realized that I could use the following code as well:

data two;
set one;
if _N_ in (809:868) then delete;
run;

Re: How to Delete Multiple Observations in a SAS Data Set Using the _n_ Variable and In Statement Hi

SASKiwi — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 03:45:18 GMT

@JackZ295 - Now you've taught me a new method too!