title: SAS proc sql pre define format of a variable
body: <p>I have a table that I am need to create a start point for -the table are changes in NPS.  I'm using proc sql to define the value of this.<br>
  The "Kategorie" variable in the table is defined as 100 character long.<br>
  In my proc sql I define the variable as $100, however because I type the value in, it automatically selects a length of 4 and chops off all the data when I blend it with my existing data set.  </p>
  
  <p>So the question is how can I predefine the variable in proc sql so that the length isn't set as 4.<br>
  I have a way to get around this but would rather do it correctly and cleanly.  </p>
  
  <pre><code>rsubmit ;
  proc sql;
  create table NPS_START_overall as select
  '_NPS' as Kategorie format $100.,
  (sum(Promotor)/count(land)-sum(detraktor)/count(land))*100 as RelativeEffect format 8.2
  from erk_a;
  quit;
  endrsubmit;  
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>I am very much still learning so apologise if this is super basic.<br>
  Thanks</p>