Create 1 rank variable from 2 input variables

[BrendanNYSED]

Hi SAS experts,

I am trying to create a rank variable using 2 variables. Below is example data, along with the desired result ("rank" column). I need to rank by column a, then by column b. I have sorted the data by a then b, and would simply use row number as rank, but I need ties to be the same lower rank (ties = low). I have tried proc rank and retain, and have began looking into "do" statements, but am stuck. Any insight is greatly appreciated!

a	b	rank
2	1	1
2	2	2
2	4	3
2	8	4
2	8	4
3	3	6
3	5	7
3	6	8
3	7	9

[PaigeMiller · Accepted solution]

data want;
    set have;
    retain rank;
    by a b;
    if first.b then rank=_n_;
run;

[BrendanNYSED]

Thank you, Paige Miller!