How to replace the missing values with the mean of the variable

[murad130]

Hello,

I have a data set with several variables (X1, X2, X3,….) and I am trying to replace the missing values in the data set with the mean of the variable.

Here is my sample code:

DATA Complete_data;

     Set mydata.original_data;

     If X1= . Then X1 = mean(X1);

run;

Unfortunately, it’s not working. Please advise.

Thanks.

[stat_sas · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Try this.

proc stdize data=mydata.original_data reponly method=mean out=Complete_data;

var X1 X2 X3;
run;

[murad130]

It worked!

Thank you so much for your help.

[Reeza]

The MEAN function in SAS works only on a row of data. 

So the mean of a single variable is the same value, in this case missing. 

If you wanted a data step approach you would need two passes, one to calculate the average and a second to merge it in with the data. 

PROC STDIZE is easier to work with IMO.

[murad130]

Thank you very much for your help.