How To Fix WF_EXPR002 - Too long (&2) or too many decimal places (&3) for elementary type "&1"

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WF_EXPR - Expression Evaluation, Analysis and Parsing.

• Message number: 002

• Message text: Too long (&2) or too many decimal places (&3) for elementary type "&1"

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WF_EXPR002 - Too long (&2) or too many decimal places (&3) for elementary type "&1" ?

  The SAP error message:
  WF_EXPR002 Too long (&2) or too many decimal places (&3) for elementary type "&1"
  typically occurs in the context of SAP Workflow expressions or when dealing with data type conversions in workflows or ABAP programs.
  
  Cause
  
  The error indicates that a value assigned to a variable or expression exceeds the allowed length or has more decimal places than the defined elementary data type can hold.
  Specifically:
  
  &1 = The elementary data type name (e.g., DEC, CURR, QUAN, etc.)
  &2 = The length of the value (number of digits before or including decimal point)
  &3 = The number of decimal places in the value
  
  
  This means the value you are trying to assign or compare is either:
  
  Too long (more digits than the data type allows), or
  Has more decimal places than the data type definition permits.
  
  
  
  This often happens when:
  
  You pass a numeric value with more decimal places than the target field supports.
  You assign a string or number to a field with a smaller length or precision.
  Workflow container elements or variables have incompatible data types or lengths.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check Data Types and Lengths:
  
  Verify the data type of the target variable or container element.
  Check the length and decimal places defined for the elementary type.
  For example, if the target is DEC(5,2), the value must not exceed 5 digits total and 2 decimal places.
  
  
  
  Adjust the Value:
  
  Round or truncate the value to fit the allowed decimal places.
  Ensure the integer part of the number fits within the allowed length.
  
  
  
  Adjust the Data Type:
  
  If possible, increase the length or decimal places of the target data type to accommodate the value.
  This might involve changing the data element or domain in the ABAP Dictionary or workflow container element.
  
  
  
  Validate Input Data:
  
  Before assignment, validate or format the data to ensure it fits the target type.
  Use ABAP functions like ROUND or string functions to format the value.
  
  
  
  Check Workflow Container Elements:
  
  In workflows, check the container elements and their data types.
  Make sure the data passed between steps or tasks matches the expected types and lengths.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  
  SAP Notes and Documentation:
  
  This error is common in workflow expression evaluations.
  SAP Help Portal and SAP Community forums often discuss similar issues related to workflow container data types.
  
  
  
  ABAP Data Types:
  
  Elementary types like DEC, CURR, QUAN have fixed length and decimal places defined by their domain.
  Assigning values exceeding these limits causes runtime errors.
  
  
  
  Workflow Expression Editor:
  
  When creating expressions in workflows, ensure the values and variables used conform to the data type restrictions.
  
  
  
  
  Example
  If you have a workflow container element of type DEC(5,2) (5 digits total, 2 decimal places), and you try to assign the value 1234.567:
  
  Total digits = 7 (4 digits before decimal + 3 decimal places)
  Decimal places = 3 (exceeds 2)
  This will cause the error WF_EXPR002.
  
  Fix: Round the value to 1234.57 or change the container element to DEC(7,3) if appropriate.
  
  If you provide the exact context or code snippet where this error occurs, I can help with a more specific solution.