Numeric and Character Observations under a Variable

[dereck255]

Hi,

I have a data set with a variable called Number. Most of the observations have numbers, but those that are missing are "None". When I state that Number is numeric, the SAS Log freaks out saying "Invalid data for Number" each time it encounters "None". When I have Number as a character variable, I can't use any math functions (sum, etc.). How do I tell SAS how to read this variable without the zillions of log errors?

Thanks,

Derek

[Reeza]

What do you want in place of NONE?

[dereck255]

A zero would be fine.

[Haikuo]

"I have a data set ....",

What data set? is it SAS table or something else? Show some code and the log you mentioned.

[dereck255]

LOL. It's an excel file. I have no trouble getting the file into SAS - I use an input statement. Can't show code since it has private info.

[Haikuo]

try:

input Number ??yournumberformat.;

This will give you . (missing) when 'None',  and the error log will be suppressed.

if you want it to be zero instead,  you can test _infile_ first, then decide whether to input normally or assign zero value.

Good luck,

Haikuo

[Howles]

Try something like this.

proc format ;

invalue none_zero 'None' = 0 other = [12.] ;

run ;

data _null_ ;

input val none_zero. ;

put val= ;

cards;

123

None

;