TO_NUMBER

Syntax

to_number::=

Text description of to_number

Purpose

TO_NUMBER converts char, a value of CHAR, VARCHAR2, NCHAR, or NVARCHAR2 datatype containing a number in the format specified by the optional format model fmt, to a value of NUMBER datatype.

Note: This function does not support CLOB data directly. However, CLOBs can be passed in as arguments through implicit data conversion. Please refer to "Datatype Comparison Rules" for more information.

Examples

The following example converts character string data into a number:

UPDATE employees SET salary = salary + 
   TO_NUMBER('100.00', '9G999D99')
   WHERE last_name = 'Perkins';

The nlsparam string in this function has the same purpose as it does in the TO_CHAR function for number conversions.

See Also: TO_CHAR (number)

SELECT TO_NUMBER('-AusDollars100','L9G999D99',
   ' NLS_NUMERIC_CHARACTERS = '',.''
     NLS_CURRENCY            = ''AusDollars''
   ') "Amount"
     FROM DUAL;

    Amount
----------
      -100