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The ‘Subset Data’ function in SAS allows users to filter and extract specific data from a larger dataset based on certain criteria. This function is especially useful when working with large amounts of data, as it allows for easier manipulation and analysis of relevant information. To use this function, users can specify the variables and conditions they want to include or exclude from their data. For example, a user can subset data to only include records for a specific time period or for a particular group of individuals. This function can also be used to create new datasets for further analysis. Overall, the ‘Subset Data’ function in SAS provides a convenient and efficient way to manage and extract data for various purposes.
Subset Data in SAS (3 Examples)
Here are the three most common ways to subset a dataset in SAS:
Method 1: Choose Which Columns to Keep
data new_data;
set original_data;
keep var1 var3;
run;
Method 2: Choose Which Columns to Drop
data new_data;
set original_data;
drop var4;
run;Method 3: Choose Which Rows to Keep Based on Condition
data new_data;
set original_data;
if var1 < 25then delete;
run;The following examples show how to use each method with the following dataset in SAS:
/*create dataset*/
data original_data;
input team $ points rebounds;
datalines;
Warriors 25 8
Wizards 18 12
Rockets 22 6
Celtics 24 11
Thunder 27 14
Spurs 33 19
Nets 31 20
;
run;
/*view dataset*/
proc printdata=original_data;
Example 1: Choose Which Columns to Keep
The following code shows how to subset a dataset by using the KEEP statement to keep only certain columns:
/*create new dataset*/
data new_data;
set original_data;
keep team points;
run;
/*view new dataset*/proc printdata=new_data;
Example 2: Choose Which Columns to Drop
The following code shows how to subset a dataset by using the DROP statement to drop specific columns:
/*create new dataset*/
data new_data;
set original_data;
drop points;
run;
/*view new dataset*/proc printdata=new_data;
Example 3: Choose Which Rows to Keep Based on Condition
The following code shows how to subset a dataset by using the DELETE statement to drop specific rows from the dataset where the value in the points column is less than 25:
/*create new dataset*/
data new_data;
set original_data;
if points < 25then delete;
run;
/*view new dataset*/proc printdata=new_data;
You can also use the OR “|” operator to drop the rows where points is less than 25 orrebounds is less than 10:
/*create new dataset*/
data new_data;
set original_data;
if points < 25 | rebounds < 10then delete;
run;
/*view new dataset*/proc printdata=new_data;
You can also use the AND “&” operator to drop the rows where points is less than 25 and rebounds is less than 10:
/*create new dataset*/
data new_data;
set original_data;
if points < 25 & rebounds < 10then delete;
run;
/*view new dataset*/proc printdata=new_data;
Additional Resources
The following tutorials explain how to perform other common tasks in SAS:
Cite this article
stats writer (2024). “How can I use the ‘Subset Data’ function in SAS? Can you provide some examples of how to apply this function?”. PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. Retrieved from https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-use-the-subset-data-function-in-sas-can-you-provide-some-examples-of-how-to-apply-this-function/
stats writer. "“How can I use the ‘Subset Data’ function in SAS? Can you provide some examples of how to apply this function?”." PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, 1 Jul. 2024, https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-use-the-subset-data-function-in-sas-can-you-provide-some-examples-of-how-to-apply-this-function/.
stats writer. "“How can I use the ‘Subset Data’ function in SAS? Can you provide some examples of how to apply this function?”." PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, 2024. https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-use-the-subset-data-function-in-sas-can-you-provide-some-examples-of-how-to-apply-this-function/.
stats writer (2024) '“How can I use the ‘Subset Data’ function in SAS? Can you provide some examples of how to apply this function?”', PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. Available at: https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-use-the-subset-data-function-in-sas-can-you-provide-some-examples-of-how-to-apply-this-function/.
[1] stats writer, "“How can I use the ‘Subset Data’ function in SAS? Can you provide some examples of how to apply this function?”," PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, vol. X, no. Y, ص Z-Z, July, 2024.
stats writer. “How can I use the ‘Subset Data’ function in SAS? Can you provide some examples of how to apply this function?”. PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. 2024;vol(issue):pages.