FORMAT Subcommand (SET command)

FORMAT specifies the default print and write formats for numeric variables. This default format applies to numeric variables that are defined on DATA LIST in freefield format and to all numeric variables that are created by transformation commands (unless a format is explicitly specified).

• The specification must be a simple F format. The default is F8.2.
• You can use the PRINT FORMATS, WRITE FORMATS, and FORMATS commands to change print and write formats.
• Format specifications on FORMAT are output formats. When specifying the width, enough positions must be allowed so that any punctuation characters, such as decimal points, commas, and dollar signs, can be included.
• If a numeric data value exceeds its width specification, the program still attempts to display some value. The program rounds decimal values, removes punctuation characters, tries scientific notation, and finally, if there is still not enough space, produces asterisks indicating that a value is present but cannot be displayed in the assigned width.