How To Fix DO263 - Output length (&) is less than the calculated output length (&)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DO - Dictionary: Mass activation of domains and data elements

• Message number: 263

• Message text: Output length (&) is less than the calculated output length (&)

What causes this issue?

The output length is calculated from the specified data type, number of
positions, decimal places and sign.
The output length specified is below this calculated output length.
This means that only the part of a value is displayed which is in the
area of the specified output length.

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?

Increase the output length.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DO263 - Output length (&) is less than the calculated output length (&) ?

  The SAP error message DO263 indicates that there is a discrepancy between the expected output length of a document and the actual output length defined in the system. This typically occurs in scenarios involving output processing, such as printing or generating documents (e.g., invoices, purchase orders, etc.).
  Cause:
  The error message "Output length (&) is less than the calculated output length (&)" usually arises due to one of the following reasons:
  
  Incorrect Output Length Configuration: The output length defined in the output type configuration is less than the length required for the document being processed.
  Changes in Document Structure: If there have been changes to the document structure (e.g., additional fields added), the output length may need to be adjusted accordingly.
  Custom Forms or Layouts: If you are using custom forms or layouts, they may not be aligned with the expected output length.
  Data Issues: There may be issues with the data being processed that lead to an unexpected increase in output length.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the DO263 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Output Type Configuration:
  
  Go to the output type configuration in transaction code NACE or SPRO.
  Verify the output length settings for the relevant output type. Ensure that the output length is sufficient to accommodate the document's content.
  
  
  
  Adjust Output Length:
  
  If the output length is indeed less than required, increase the output length in the configuration settings.
  
  
  
  Review Document Structure:
  
  If there have been recent changes to the document structure, review those changes to ensure that they are reflected in the output configuration.
  
  
  
  Test with Standard Forms:
  
  If you are using custom forms, try switching to a standard form to see if the issue persists. This can help identify if the problem is with the custom layout.
  
  
  
  Check for Data Issues:
  
  Review the data being processed to ensure that it does not contain unexpected values or formats that could increase the output length.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide additional guidance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: 
  
  NACE - Output Types Configuration
  SPRO - SAP Reference IMG for configuration settings
  
  
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to output management and output types for further insights.
  Testing: After making changes, perform tests to ensure that the output is generated correctly without errors.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the DO263 error in your SAP system.