Скачать или смотреть How to Convert Character Dates to Numeric Values in SAS: A Complete Guide to MMDDYY10 Format

This guide explains how to convert character date values to numeric values in SAS, specifically in the `MMDDYY10` format. Learn how to handle common issues and get your dates formatted correctly!
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How to Convert Character Dates to Numeric Values in SAS: A Complete Guide to MMDDYY10 Format

When working with dates in SAS, you might encounter situations where date values are stored as character strings rather than numeric values. This can create challenges, especially for tasks that require specific date formats like MMDDYY10. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of converting a character date value to a numeric date value in SAS, including how to format it correctly.

Understanding the Problem

You may have a column containing dates formatted as character strings. For instance, a date value might be represented as 44106, which can be confusing when you want it to display as 02.10.2020. In SAS, proper date handling is crucial for accurate data analysis, so converting these character dates into a recognizable numeric format is necessary.

Why is 44106 Treated as 02OCT2020?

Before diving into the solution, it’s important to understand why certain numeric values correspond to specific date formats. The value 44106 likely represents the date 02OCT2020. This stems from how Excel stores dates, which SAS interprets slightly differently. For most situations involving dates imported from Excel, a common formula is needed to align the two systems.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Use the INPUT() Function

To convert the character representation of the date to a numeric value, we can utilize the INPUT() function. This function helps in transforming the character string to a numerical equivalent by recognizing its format.

Step 2: Adding the Base Date

Excel and SAS reference different base dates for their date systems. In Excel, dates are counted from January 1, 1900, while SAS counts from December 30, 1899. To accurately convert an Excel date value into a SAS date value, we must account for this discrepancy by adding the date '30DEC1899'd to our calculation.

Step 3: Format the Date

Once you have the numeric date value, you will want to format it correctly. If your desired format is MM.DD.YYYY, you will use MMDDYYP10. as the appropriate format.

Sample Code

Here is how you can implement the above steps in your SAS code:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Key Points to Remember

Use INPUT() to convert character to numeric dates.

Add '30DEC1899'd to align Excel and SAS date systems.

Choose the correct format for displaying your dates (MMDDYYP10 vs. MMDDYY10).

Check your data sources to clarify how dates are stored and represented.

Conclusion

Converting character date values to numeric values in SAS doesn’t have to be complicated. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can seamlessly switch formats, allowing for more straightforward analysis and reporting on date-related data. Remember to validate your data and understand the underlying date systems to avoid common pitfalls. Happy coding!