Error when I try to convert string column to float column

Question

I have a table with a column A. I would like to change the datatype from string to float. My column A looks like this:

... When I try to run my code:

ALTER TABLE [Table1]
ALTER COLUMN [A] FLOAT

I always get this error:

Error converting data type varchar to float.

Numbers don't have commas. Remove those first using REPLACE. — Thom A
– Thom A ♦, Commented Aug 23, 2019 at 11:53
sql servers uses a dot . in stead of a comma , for floats, so you must replace these first — GuidoG
– GuidoG, Commented Aug 23, 2019 at 11:57

DarkRob · Accepted Answer · 2019-08-23 11:59:56Z

1

It is clear in error that varchar value is not converting into float. Since , is not allowed in int, float, decimal type values, so first need to replace your , .

Instead of this you may try this.

  update table set A = Replace( A, ',', '' )

Or

  update table set A = Replace( A, ',', '.' )

Whichever condition suits you better.

After that convert your column.

  ALTER TABLE [Table1]
  ALTER COLUMN [A] FLOAT

edited Aug 23, 2019 at 11:59

answered Aug 23, 2019 at 11:56

DarkRob

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