T-SQL: Removing Decimal Points from Money Data Type

When working with financial data in SQL Server, especially using the T-SQL language, you might find yourself needing to manipulate numbers in a way that strips them of their decimal points. For those utilizing the Money data type in SQL Server 2005, you may wonder if there’s a better approach than converting the number to a string and then removing the decimal point through string manipulation. Let’s explore an efficient method to achieve this.

The Common Approach

Many SQL developers handle the removal of decimal points from Money types by converting the number to a varchar first and using the REPLACE function. For example:

SELECT REPLACE(1.23, '.', ''), REPLACE(19.99, '.', '')

This code replaces the decimal point, resulting in the desired integers 123 and 1999. However, this method can feel clunky and not ideal in terms of performance or readability.

A More Efficient Solution

A more elegant solution allows you to achieve the same result without unnecessary conversions. Instead of converting to a string, you can multiply the Money value by 100 and then convert it to an INT. This method is straightforward and leverages T-SQL features effectively. Here’s how you can do it:

Step-by-Step Implementation

1. Multiply the Money Value By 100: This shifts the decimal point two places to the right. For instance, 1.23 becomes 123 and 19.99 becomes 1999.
2. Convert to INT: The conversion to INT discards any decimal points, leaving you with a clean, whole number.

Example Implementation

Here’s a practical example to illustrate the solution in action:

SELECT CAST(1.23 * 100 AS INT) AS Amount1,
       CAST(19.99 * 100 AS INT) AS Amount2

This code will return:

• Amount1: 123
• Amount2: 1999

Why This Method is Preferable

• Performance: Multiplying and casting is generally faster than string manipulation, especially with larger datasets.
• Simplicity: The code is easier to read and maintain, making it straightforward for anyone reviewing or using the SQL scripts.
• Data Integrity: By staying within the number types and avoiding conversion to strings, you minimize the risk of introducing errors or unexpected behavior due to incorrect formatting.

Conclusion

Using T-SQL in SQL Server 2005, removing decimal points from Money data types can be done efficiently by multiplying the value by 100 and converting it to an integer. This approach is simpler, faster, and ensures data integrity. The next time you need to manipulate Money values in your queries, consider this method for a cleaner, more effective solution.