The N function counts the number of non-missing values for numeric variables. We do not have a function that does this for character variables.

The sample code on the Full Code tab counts the non-missing character values.

The CMISS and NMISS functions were introduced in SAS^® 9.2 to count missing values for character and numeric values across observations.

Note: Development is investigating the possibility of adding a new function to count non-missing character values.

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These sample files and code examples are provided by SAS Institute Inc. "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Recipients acknowledge and agree that SAS Institute shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of their use of this material. In addition, SAS Institute will provide no support for the materials contained herein.

The sample code below shows how to count non-missing character values.

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data temp;                          
   input (disp1-disp8) ($);          
   datalines;                          
1 2 . 4 5 6 7 8                     
. 2 3 4 5 . 7 8                     
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8                     
1 2 3 . . 6 . 8                     
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8                     
1 . 3 . 5 . 7 .                     
;                                   
run;                                
                                    
data two;                           
   set temp;                         
   array chars(*) _character_;                      
   miss=cmiss(of chars(*));      
   nonmiss=dim(chars)-miss;             
run; 
                               
proc print; 
run;                    
                                    
                        

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These sample files and code examples are provided by SAS Institute Inc. "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Recipients acknowledge and agree that SAS Institute shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of their use of this material. In addition, SAS Institute will provide no support for the materials contained herein.

This sample counts the nonmissing values for character values much like the N function does for numeric values.

Type:	Sample
Topic:	SAS Reference ==> DATA Step

Date Modified:	2012-05-08 09:51:27
Date Created:	2012-04-05 11:06:21

Operating System and Release Information

Product Family	Product	Host	SAS Release
			Starting	Ending
SAS System	N/A	z/OS	9.2 TS1M0
		Microsoft® Windows® for 64-Bit Itanium-based Systems	9.2 TS1M0
		Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Datacenter 64-bit Edition	9.2 TS1M0
		Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Enterprise 64-bit Edition	9.2 TS1M0
		Microsoft Windows XP 64-bit Edition	9.2 TS1M0
		Microsoft® Windows® for x64	9.2 TS1M0
		Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Datacenter Edition	9.2 TS1M0
		Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition	9.2 TS1M0
		Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition	9.2 TS1M0
		Microsoft Windows XP Professional	9.2 TS1M0
		Windows Vista	9.2 TS1M0
		Windows Vista for x64	9.2 TS1M0
		64-bit Enabled AIX	9.2 TS1M0
		64-bit Enabled HP-UX	9.2 TS1M0
		64-bit Enabled Solaris	9.2 TS1M0
		HP-UX IPF	9.2 TS1M0
		Linux	9.2 TS1M0
		Linux for x64	9.2 TS1M0
		OpenVMS on HP Integrity	9.2 TS1M0
		Solaris for x64	9.2 TS1M0