How To Fix 0K516 - You tried to output & columns, but max. & are allowed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 0K - Messages for "General List Modules"

• Message number: 516

• Message text: You tried to output & columns, but max. & are allowed

What causes this issue?

The maximum number of displayable columns is currently limited to the
number specified in the error message per record type.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 0K516 - You tried to output & columns, but max. & are allowed ?

  The SAP error message 0K516 indicates that you are trying to output more columns in a report or a data display than the maximum allowed by the system. This typically occurs in situations where you are generating reports or using transaction codes that involve displaying data in tabular format, such as ALV (ABAP List Viewer) reports.
  Cause:
  The error arises when the number of columns you are attempting to display exceeds the predefined limit set by SAP. This limit can vary depending on the specific report or transaction you are using, but it is generally set to ensure optimal performance and usability.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Reduce the Number of Columns: Review the columns you are trying to display and remove any that are not necessary for your analysis. This can often be done by adjusting the selection criteria or layout settings in the report.
  
  
  Modify the Report Layout: If you are using a custom report or ALV report, you may need to modify the layout settings to limit the number of columns. This can often be done in the report's selection screen or layout configuration.
  
  
  Check User Settings: Sometimes, user-specific settings can lead to an attempt to display too many columns. Check if there are any user-specific settings that might be causing this issue.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the documentation for the specific transaction or report you are using to understand the maximum number of columns allowed and any other limitations.
  
  
  Contact SAP Support: If you are unable to resolve the issue through the above steps, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: This error can occur in various transaction codes that involve reporting, such as SE38 (ABAP Editor), SE80 (Object Navigator), or specific custom reports.
  ALV Reports: If you are working with ALV reports, familiarize yourself with the ALV layout options and how to customize them to fit within the allowed column limits.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any updates or fixes related to this error message, as SAP frequently releases patches that may address such issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and successfully generate your report or data display.