How To Fix 28038 - Numeric expression required

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 28 - Configuration

• Message number: 038

• Message text: Numeric expression required

What causes this issue?

The system check found a syntax error. At the cursor, the system
expects a numeric expression, such as a figure, a numeric
characteristic, a formula, or a master data access for a reference
characteristic.

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?

Check your entries and correct the expression as appropriate. Please
note also the other possible causes of error.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 28038 - Numeric expression required ?

  The SAP error message "28038 Numeric expression required" typically occurs when a numeric operation is attempted on a non-numeric value. This can happen in various contexts, such as ABAP programming, where a numeric calculation is expected but the variable or field being used is not of a numeric type.
  Cause:
  
  Data Type Mismatch: The variable or field being used in a calculation is not defined as a numeric type (e.g., it might be a character string or a date).
  Null or Empty Values: The variable may be null or empty, which can lead to the system expecting a numeric value but receiving nothing.
  Incorrect Data Conversion: If there is an attempt to convert a non-numeric string to a number without proper handling, it can lead to this error.
  Improper Initialization: Variables that are not properly initialized before being used in calculations can also trigger this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Data Types: Ensure that all variables involved in the numeric operation are of the correct numeric data type (e.g., INTEGER, DECIMAL).
  Validate Input Values: Before performing calculations, validate that the input values are indeed numeric. You can use functions like IS NUMERIC to check if a string can be converted to a number.
  Initialize Variables: Make sure that all variables are properly initialized before use. If a variable is expected to hold a numeric value, initialize it to a default numeric value (e.g., 0).
  Error Handling: Implement error handling to catch cases where non-numeric values might be passed to numeric operations. This can include using TRY...ENDTRY blocks in ABAP.
  Debugging: Use debugging tools to step through the code and inspect the values of variables at runtime to identify where the non-numeric value is being introduced.
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Documentation: Review the SAP ABAP documentation for data types and numeric operations to ensure compliance with best practices.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or support channels for additional insights and solutions from other users who may have encountered the same issue.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the root cause of the "28038 Numeric expression required" error and implement a suitable solution.