VAL()

    VAL() converts numbers that are defined as characters into a numeric
    expression.

Syntax

    VAL(<exp C>)

Usage

    If the expression consists of leading non-numeric characters other than
    blanks, VAL() returns a value of zero.

    VAL() displays the decimal portion of a number as designated by SET
    DECIMALS.

    The VAL() function operates from left to right, converting characters
    to numeric values until a text character is encountered.  Leading
    blanks are ignored if the argument contains both numeric and non-
    numeric characters.  The leading numeric characters will be converted
    to a numeric value.  Trailing blanks are treated as text characters
    and, when encountered, terminate the conversion process.