How do I convert string variables to numeric variables in Stata?

Question

I have two variables in Stata, both numeric variables that have somehow been recorded as string variables. I need them converted to numeric variables so that I can generate a new variable with them.

When I tried, it said type mismatch I have tried the real and the encode commands, none of which are working.

Gwen

It always help to show exactly what code you tried. Note that real() is a function in Stata, not a command. – Leviathan

Answer 1

Try destring var, replace in Stata if you want to convert var into numeric

Or,

encode var, generate(var1)

Auckland

Thank you so much, i realised it was string because there were some 'NA' in the dataset, i deleted them and it was fine. ! – Gwen

Answer 2

destring varname, replace ignore(xyz)      

xyz is any non-numeric character in the value of the variable

Ugric