Importing XLS to a dataset truncates decimal places

Hi all, I am importing a small XLS file into a dataset with mixed numerical and string data. Upon import Matlab truncates all decimals to 4 places. I don't have any super long # of decimals, but the file contains currency rates which extend up to 8 decimal places.

Is there any way to retain the number of decimal places in the dataset from the original XLS file using mixed data types?

Thanks.

Answer 1

[Star Strider]

MATLAB is most likely displaying only 4 decimal places. All the data should be there. Consider temporarily setting:

format long

or other such options. See the documentation for format for details.

[Image Analyst]

FAQ: http://matlab.wikia.com/wiki/FAQ#Does_MATLAB_only_calculate_to_4_significant_digits.3F

By the way, you'll probably find readtable() much nicer than xlsread() for importing mixed data types.

[Jason]

Hi all, thanks for your comments. However, this is not a viewing issue. Matlab is truncating the decimals places to 4. The reason I know is because after importing the file I remove a few columns and export the data back out to XLS and the decimals are truncated to 4 places.

I was using the command:

XLSData = dataset('XLSFile', TempFilePath, 'ReadVarNames', false);

It appears the "'ReadVarNames', false" command causes the decimal truncation when there are column headers in the original XLS file. After removing the "'ReadVarNames', false" command the decimals are no longer truncated. I had to adjust my code somewhat as the column headers are now the column variable names, but that is trivial.

Thanks

[Star Strider]

Our pleasure!