Post #1
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Sam
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Joined: Jul 1, 2026, 2:30 PM
Posted: Jul 29, 2026, 9:30 AM
Tutorial says PIC 9 is numeric and PIC X is alphanumeric. Can I store numbers in PIC X? What breaks if I do math on a PIC X field?
Thread: COBOL
PIC 9 vs PIC X - when do I use which?
Started by Sam • user3 replies200 viewsLast activity 2 weeks ago
Post #2
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Marty
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Joined: Aug 12, 2024, 9:14 AM
Posted: Jul 29, 2026, 11:30 AM
You can put digits in PIC X but it is still text. ADD / COMPUTE want numeric (PIC 9). Doing arithmetic on PIC X is asking for trouble.
Rule of thumb: counting and money = PIC 9 (often COMP-3). Names, codes, flags = PIC X.
Post #3
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Jordan
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Joined: May 2, 2026, 11:10 AM
Posted: Jul 30, 2026, 10:30 AM
Also watch leading zeros. PIC 9(5) holding 42 is 00042 in storage. PIC X(5) with 42 is usually "42" left-justified with spaces.
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