How do I change from a character to a numerical variable?

[nevennett]

I've tried the following code for SAS ondemand and I'm getting an error. 

data ab2;
set ab1;
lead_num = input(lead, 4.);
run;

and if comes up with an error saying that the input statement is incorrect. 

What do I need to do?

[PeterClemmensen]

What does your data looks like?

What does the log say?

[Ksharp]

data ab2;
set ab1;
lead_num = input(lead, ?? best32.);
run;