My datalabel position is not in Center even after I use DATALABELPOS=CENTER

[hanyi0221]

I need to create a plot with MY2R values in the symbol center. But even I used DATALABELPOS=CENTER, all the data labels shift to right and not in the center. Could someone please help me with it? Thanks. 

Here is my code:

PROC SGPLOT DATA = temp1 dattrmap=attrmap noborder;

Scatter Y=NAME X = MY2R/markerAttrs=(COLOR=purple size=6MM symbol=CIRCLEFILLED)  datalabel=MY2R DATALABELATTRS=(size=9pt weight=bold COLOR=White) DATALABELPOS=CENTER transparency=0.1;

XAXIS DISPLAY=(NOTICKS) label=' ' labelattrs=(size=8pt color=Black) values=(60 to 100 by 20) valueattrs=(size=8pt Family=Arial color=black); 

run;

[Jay54 · Accepted solution]

Make sure you do not have leading blanks in your labels.  Also, you can use a TEXT plot to display labels with the STRIP option.

[WarrenKuhfeld]

Following up on @Jay54, these steps illustrate a character variable (centered), a numeric variable (and hence leading blanks) (does not appear centered), and a numeric to character conversion and left justification before plotting (centered).

proc sgplot data=sashelp.class;
   scatter y=weight x=height / datalabel=name datalabelpos=center;
quit;

proc sgplot data=sashelp.class;
   scatter y=weight x=height / datalabel=age datalabelpos=center;
quit;

data class;
   set sashelp.class;
   age2 = cats(age);
run;   

proc sgplot data=class;
   scatter y=weight x=height / datalabel=age2 datalabelpos=center;
quit;

[hanyi0221]

Thank you Warren, this is very helpful and I will save your post as future reference.

[hanyi0221]

Thank you Sanjay! My labels do have leading blanks.