Input and Output Formats

Values are read according to their input format and displayed according to their output format. The input and output formats differ in several ways.

• The input format is either specified or implied on the DATA LIST, GET DATA, or other data definition commands. It is in effect only when cases are built in an active dataset.
• Output formats are automatically generated from input formats, with output formats expanded to include punctuation characters, such as decimal indicators, grouping symbols, and dollar signs. For example, an input format of DOLLAR7.2 will generate an output format of DOLLAR10.2 to accommodate the dollar sign, grouping symbol (comma), and decimal indicator (period).
• The formats (specified or default) on NUMERIC, STRING, COMPUTE, or other commands that create new variables are output formats. You must specify adequate widths to accommodate all punctuation characters.
• The output format is in effect during the entire working session (unless explicitly changed) and is saved in the dictionary of IBM® SPSS® Statistics data files.
• Output formats for numeric variables can be changed with FORMATS, PRINT FORMATS, and WRITE FORMATS.