Need help with Val() Function

[kab097]

Version of CR 8.5

Per Ken's suggestion (thank you so much!!!) I am trying to convert a varchar field (CR says its a string field, and the values in these fields are purely numeric). However, I can't seem to get the val function to work for me.

Here is what I am doing (found this in the CR help section) in the formula editor:

val("{databasename.fieldname}&quot

It says the syntax is fine, but it converts all the string numbers to 0.00. Also, it does not show up as an Available Field when I go to try to use it in the chart expert.

I know I am doing somethign wrong, but I am not sure what I am missing. Thank you so much!!!

 

[dgillz]

dump the "" around the fieldname Software Support for Sage Mas90, Macola, Crystal Reports, Goldmine and MS Office

 

[kab097]

I took the quotes out and I am still getting the same result.

val({database.fieldname})

It still comes up as all 0.00

Any other suggestions?
Thanks for you help!

 

[Ngolem]

if the {database.fieldname} is always numbers in a string format then just use

tonumber({database.fieldname})

Val is used when extracting the number portion of a string

eg. Val("123oak&quot returns 123

unless you have this situation use tonumber()

 

[dgillz]

I apologize, I did not read your post closely.

The Val() function reads an alphanumeric string and stops when it encounters the first non-numeric, non-space charcter and returns a value.

ex: Val("1600 34th Street&quot returns 160034.

I do not know what happens if it NEVER encounters a non-numeric, non-space value, but it evidently doesn't work.

Try using the tonumber() function. Software Support for Sage Mas90, Macola, Crystal Reports, Goldmine and MS Office

 

[kab097]

Ok, this is what I have

tonumber({database.fieldname})

and it STILL is giving me 0.00

Am I supposed to be doing something else in the the formula editor? Am I supposed to be declaring something?

Again, thank you for all your help! Hopefully I will get this soon!

 

[dgillz]

Typically no you would not need to declare a variable or anything else for tis simple of a formula.

Perhaps you can email me your report (with saved data)?

dgilsdorf@altavsita.com Software Support for Sage Mas90, Macola, Crystal Reports, Goldmine and MS Office

 

[kab097]

Thank you for the offer. I solved the problem at the source...I changed the varchar fields to numeric and it appears to be doing what I need it to do right now. Thanks so much everyone for your help!!

Have a great day!