convert $50. to numeric

[sasphd]

Hello I want to convert $50. to numeric. this is the dataset. when I run proc corr I have a error in the log "in list does not match type prescribed for this list" 

[PeterClemmensen]

Use the Input Function with an appropriate informat.

[Astounding · Accepted solution]

The INPUT function is the preferred method, but here are a few more considerations.

First, you will need new variable names.  Existing character variables cannot be turned into numeric variables.  You could conceivably jump through some hoops to re-use the old names, which could look like this:

data want;
   set have;
   numvar = input(charvar, 20.);
   drop charvar;
   rename numvar = charvar;
run;

That would give you the original variable name as a numeric variable, but it's a tedious process to go through if you have many variables.

Second, you can trade off complexities of the programming if you are willing to tolerate notes in the log:

data want;
   set have;  
   length numvar 8;
   numvar = charvar;
run;

That gives you NUMVAR as the numeric version of CHARVAR, but adds a note to the log about character to numeric conversion.  

Finally, if you use the INPUT function, do not add number of decimal places:

data want;
   set have;
   numvar = input(charvar, 6.4);     /* gives the wrong result */
run;

Just supply the width to the INPUT function, not the number of positions after the decimal point.

[andreas_lds]

If the number has 50 digits, converting it to numeric will cause loss of precision.