topic Re: Convert a text field to a numeric field in ArcMap Questions

Convert a text field to a numeric field

mkhenson — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 15:25:54 GMT

I have a shape file that was exported from Autocad Map. It represents pipes in a network. I have a field representing the pipe dia, but it is a text field and would like to convert it to numeric. Can someone walk me thru those steps? Name of the text field is "LAYER" and I need the new numeric one to be "DIA" Thanks for any help you can give.

MKH

Re: Convert a text field to a numeric field

Sean_Wray — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 15:45:50 GMT

You can use the add field tool and then use the field calculator to calculate what goes in it.

https://desktop.arcgis.com/en/arcmap/10.3/tools/data-management-toolbox/add-field.htm

Re: Convert a text field to a numeric field

mkhenson — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 16:13:52 GMT

yeah, I've seen the help, but it reads like a programming language, which confuses me entirely!

Re: Convert a text field to a numeric field

JayantaPoddar — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 16:24:25 GMT

As mentioned by Sean, you need to add a field "DIA" with Type LONG INTEGER or FLOAT, depending on whether the desired value is an integer or Decimal Point value respectively.

Then Right-click "DIA" field > Field Calculator.

Expression:

[LAYER]

Re: Convert a text field to a numeric field

AdrianWelsh — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 16:27:29 GMT

The first thing you need to do is Add a Field and make sure you make it numeric. If you just need integers (whole numbers), choose Long as the data type. If you need a floating point decimal, choose Double as the data type:

Now that you have this new field, DIA, right click on it and choose "Calculate Field":

If you need to convert to an integer, in the field calculation box type this:

int(!LAYER!)

If it's a floating point, type this:

float(!LAYER!)

Make sure Python 3 is chosen as your Expression Type:

Re: Convert a text field to a numeric field

mkhenson — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 16:35:39 GMT

Thanks very much. I appreciate the replies!

Re: Convert a text field to a numeric field

Sean_Wray — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 18:25:41 GMT

Yes - my apologies for the rushed answer...

In ArcMap open your table. On the drop down choose Add Field.

Name it - define it as double

The right click the new field name in the table and choose Field Calculator

A box will popup. The field you are calculating will be populated. See in the screenshot where it says TEST=. Then in the fields box, double click the field name you want to copy the data from. In the example I choose X and click OK

Re: Convert a text field to a numeric field

mkhenson — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 18:55:11 GMT

Thanks Sean...that's perfect! I appreciate it very much