error in conversion

[wdbouk]

I have a column full of numbers but in text format. I tried converting the column from text to number but i lost a lot of observations by doing so (error message). I am sure that all of the observations are numbers. it used to be 6 numbers + 3 letters and I updated the column to remove the letter by selecting left(column,6). Can Anyone tell me if their is a way to avoid losing the data through conversion (i need to convert them to export them to matlab which recognizes only number format and not text)
thx

 

[Golom]

What kind of "numbers" exactly. A "number" format may be bit, byte, single, double, long, integer, etc. You may be having a problem because the text can't be converted to the specific data type that your numbers have.

 

[mhcruella]

Did you try CInt(left(column,6))?

 

[PHV]

Why not simply use the Val function ?

Hope This Helps, PH.
Want to get great answers to your Tek-Tips questions? Have a look at FAQ219-2884 or FAQ181-2886

 

[wdbouk]

I tried all the number formats (byes, single, ling integer etcc) the only format that worket was replication ID and this format can't be read in matlab where i tend to extract my data.
the CInt returned more conversion errors than before.
any helo about the fval or if thge replication ID could be used to get only a maximum of 6 numbers without any letter.
Best

 

[PHV]

SELECT Val(column) AS NumField FROM yourTable

Hope This Helps, PH.
Want to get great answers to your Tek-Tips questions? Have a look at FAQ219-2884 or FAQ181-2886

 

[wdbouk]

WoooooW . it works. thx