Not understanding Multilabel Formats

[PaigeMiller]

As a simple example to learn Multilabel formats, let's suppose I want to use SASHELP.CLASS to determine average height amongst 11-13 year olds, and amongst 12-14 year olds;

proc format;
    value agefmt (multilabel) 11-13='11-13' 12-14='12-14';
run;
proc summary data=sashelp.class(where=(age<=14));
	var height;
	class age;
	output out=_stats_ mean=;
	format age agefmt.;
run;

Works as expected. Now suppose I also want to have one more average computed by the same PROC SUMMARY, where I want the mean of just 13 year olds.

proc format;
    value agefmt (multilabel) 11-13='11-13' 12-14='12-14' 13-13='13';
run;
proc summary data=sashelp.class(where=(age<=14));
	var height;
	class age;
	output out=_stats_ mean=;
	format age agefmt.;
run;

This does not produce an average for just 13 year olds.

Am I doing something wrong? Or am I misunderstanding the functionality of MULTILABEL formats? (Yes, I know I can get this from two PROC SUMMARY calls, but I really would like to understand the MULTILABEL format)

[Tom · Accepted solution]

You need to tell PROC SUMMARY you want to treat the formats as multi label by adding the MLF option to the CLASS statement.

[PaigeMiller]

Ah, that seems to do it. It sure would be nice if the PROC FORMAT documentation mentioned that, but it doesn't. Thanks, @Tom