BookmarkSubscribeRSS Feed
RandyStan
Fluorite | Level 6

Dear All:

I have two variables and I want to change the format and informat of these variable

VarA has 

Format BEST12. INFORMAT BEST32.

I want to change it to BEST12. and BEST12.

Var_B has $13. as the format and $13. as the INFORMAT

I want to change it to 

$12. as the format and $12. as the Informat

Can someone please help

Randy

2 REPLIES 2
PaigeMiller
Diamond | Level 26

Once the variables are in a SAS data set, further changing of the informat is useless, it has no impact. So don't do that.

 

To change the format of a variable from $13. to $12. (why?)

 

proc datasets library=WORK; /* Or whatever the proper library name is */
    modify have; /* Or whatever the proper data set name is */
    format var_b $12.;
run;
quit;

    

You can also change the format in procedures where this variable is used. The only real impact of changing format from $13. to $12. is to chop off the last character, is that really what you want?

--
Paige Miller
russt_sas
SAS Employee

You can use PROC DATASETS to make your changes, for example:

 

data one;
x=100;
format x percent.;
run;

proc datasets lib=work nolist;
modify one;
format x best3.;
quit;

sas-innovate-2026-white.png



April 27 – 30 | Gaylord Texan | Grapevine, Texas

Registration is open

Walk in ready to learn. Walk out ready to deliver. This is the data and AI conference you can't afford to miss.
Register now and lock in 2025 pricing—just $495!

Register now

How to Concatenate Values

Learn how use the CAT functions in SAS to join values from multiple variables into a single value.

Find more tutorials on the SAS Users YouTube channel.

SAS Training: Just a Click Away

 Ready to level-up your skills? Choose your own adventure.

Browse our catalog!

Discussion stats
  • 2 replies
  • 1837 views
  • 0 likes
  • 3 in conversation