ABAP String to Decimal: Conversion Techniques and Validation

Converting String to Decimal in SAP ABAP

In SAP ABAP, converting a string (STRING or CHAR) to a decimal (DEC, FLTP, CURR, or QUAN) requires careful handling, especially if the string contains thousands separators, decimal points, or currency symbols.

1. Simple Conversion (Direct Assignment)

If the string contains a valid numeric format, ABAP allows direct assignment:

DATA: lv_string  TYPE string VALUE '123.45',
      lv_decimal TYPE p DECIMALS 2.

lv_decimal = lv_string.

WRITE: lv_decimal.  " Output: 123.45

✅ Works if the string is in a standard decimal format (123.45). ❌ Fails if the string contains extra symbols ($123.45 or 1,234.56).

2. Using CONVERT INTO (Handling Different Formats)

If the string contains commas or decimal separators, use CONVERT INTO.

DATA: lv_string  TYPE string VALUE '1,234.56',
      lv_decimal TYPE p DECIMALS 2.

CONVERT lv_string INTO lv_decimal.

WRITE: lv_decimal.  " Output: 1234.56

• This method automatically ignores thousands separators (1,234.56 → 1234.56).
• If the string is invalid, sy-subrc will be set.

3. Using FLTP (Floating Point Conversion)

For floating-point values, directly assign to FLTP type:

DATA: lv_string  TYPE string VALUE '123.456',
      lv_float   TYPE fltp.

lv_float = lv_string.

WRITE: lv_float.  " Output: 123.456

• FLTP supports more precision than DEC.

4. Handling Different Decimal Separators (CONVERT_TEXT_TO_NUMBER)

If the decimal separator is locale-dependent (e.g., 1.234,56 in German format), use CONVERT_TEXT_TO_NUMBER.

DATA: lv_string  TYPE string VALUE '1.234,56',
      lv_decimal TYPE p DECIMALS 2.

CALL FUNCTION 'CONVERT_TEXT_TO_NUMBER'
  EXPORTING
    i_text  = lv_string
  IMPORTING
    e_number = lv_decimal.

WRITE: lv_decimal.  " Output: 1234.56

• Handles locale-specific formats (1.234,56 → 1234.56).
• Works for both commas and dots.

5. Removing Non-Numeric Characters (Regex Cleaning)

If the string contains currency symbols or extra text, remove them first:

DATA: lv_string  TYPE string VALUE '$1,234.56',
      lv_cleaned TYPE string,
      lv_decimal TYPE p DECIMALS 2.

REPLACE ALL OCCURRENCES OF REGEX '[^0-9.,]' IN lv_string WITH ''.
lv_cleaned = lv_string.

CONVERT lv_cleaned INTO lv_decimal.

WRITE: lv_decimal.  " Output: 1234.56

• Removes all non-numeric characters ($, spaces, text).
• Then, converts cleaned string to decimal.

6. Handling Invalid Input (Validation)

Always check if the string is numeric before converting.

DATA: lv_string TYPE string VALUE 'ABC123.45',
      lv_decimal TYPE p DECIMALS 2.

TRY.
    lv_decimal = lv_string.
    WRITE: 'Valid Number:', lv_decimal.
  CATCH cx_sy_conversion_error.
    WRITE: 'Invalid Number!'.
ENDTRY.

• If the string contains letters (ABC123.45), it throws a conversion error.

🚀 Summary: Best Methods for String-to-Decimal Conversion