Float values from a CSV file are recognized as String and returns NULL when converted to "Number (Decimal)"
Published: 28 Oct 2022 Last Modified Date: 11 Jan 2023
Issue
When a CSV file has floating decimals as commas (example 4,50.190), it is recognized as text and then returns Null when converted.
Dot is enforced for floating datatype.
Not affected by locale change to US, UK or FR.
Environment
Tableau Desktop 2022.2
Tableau Desktop 2022.3
Tableau Desktop 2022.4
Text Files
CSV
Resolution
Upgrade to one of the following versions or newer: 2022.2.5, 2022.3.2, or 2022.4.1.
If it is not possible to upgrade, please review the workarounds below.
Option 1 Use an older Tableau Desktop version before 2022.2. See the Tableau Release Notes for downloading alternate versions.
Option 2 Use a replace() function calculation to change the commas to dots and then convert to "number(Decimal)". Example: float(replace([affected field, ",",".")) with Text File Properties/Workbook Locale as Desired Locale
Option 3 Replace the commas with dots outside of Tableau in a notepad, excel, or other program.
Cause
This behavior is a Known Issue with ID 1468503 that is fixed in versions 2022.2.5, 2022.3.2, 2022.4.1 and newer.
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