Value cannot be converted to a number

[brianism]

I can't figure out why this will not add. I have a MySQL database with the fields "postage" and "copies" set as varchar.

copies is 29.30 and postage is 37.22. I just trying to add things using the following code:

<cfset postage = "<cfoutput>#qcases.postage#</cfoutput>">
<cfset copies = "<cfoutput>#qcases.copies#</cfoutput>">

<cfset total = total + postage + copies>

I get the error The value "37.22" cannot be converted to a number

I have tried using these methods but no luck:

<cfset total = total + #LsNumberFormat(postage)# + #LsNumberFormat(copies)#>

and

<cfset total = total + #NumberFormat(postage)# + #NumberFormat(copies)#>

and

<cfset total = total + #DecimalFormat(postage)# + #DecimalFormat(copies)#>

[rhaddan]

Try:

<cfset total = Evaluate(total + postage + copies)>

The Evaluate function will treat the strings as numbers.

[brianism]

Thanks for the quick response. I tried your method but I still get the same error.

[Mi-ul-vmijiI]

It may be that you're trying to add two strings rather than two numbers

<cfoutput>
<cfset postage = #qcases.postage#>
<cfset copies = #qcases.copies#>
</cfoutput>

In fact - before you do this try taking the ) out after copies - #qcases.copies)#

Michael

[JR__Bob__Dobbs-qSBHQ2 · Accepted solution]

<cfset postage = #qcases.postage#>
<cfset copies = #qcases.copies#>

<cfset total = Val(total) + Val(postage) + Val(copies)>

Note that the Val function will convert its argument to a number or return 0 for a non-numeric argument

http://livedocs.adobe.com/coldfusion/8/htmldocs/help.html?content=functions_t-z_12.html#139109

[fober1]

Hi,
Here are two more you can try:
Instead of LsNumberFormat you should use LSParseNumber.
(Depending on the local setting of your server this may make a difference)

Use trim to clean-up the values:
<cfset total=trim(val1) * trim(val2)>
(The text representation of your numbers may include a leading space, placeholder for the sign +/-)

cheers,
fober