SAP ABAP: Convert String to Uppercase (Methods & Examples)

Convert String to Uppercase in SAP ABAP

In SAP ABAP, you can convert a string or character field to uppercase using different methods.

1. Using TRANSLATE TO UPPER CASE (Recommended)

The TRANSLATE statement converts a string to uppercase in-place.

DATA: lv_string TYPE string VALUE 'sap abap programming'.

TRANSLATE lv_string TO UPPER CASE.

WRITE: lv_string.  " Output: SAP ABAP PROGRAMMING

✅ Works for both STRING and CHAR. ✅ Modifies the variable directly.

2. Using CONVERSION_EXIT_ALPHA_INPUT (For ALPHA Conversion)

If you’re dealing with numeric fields stored as CHAR, use CONVERSION_EXIT_ALPHA_INPUT first.

DATA: lv_string TYPE char10 VALUE '00001234'.

CALL FUNCTION 'CONVERSION_EXIT_ALPHA_INPUT'
  EXPORTING
    input  = lv_string
  IMPORTING
    output = lv_string.

TRANSLATE lv_string TO UPPER CASE.

WRITE: lv_string.  " Output: 1234 (without leading zeros)

✅ Removes leading zeros before converting to uppercase. ❌ Only useful for numeric CHAR fields.

3. Using TOUPPER (Newer ABAP Syntax)

For inline data declarations, use TOUPPER.

DATA(lv_upper) = to_upper( 'sap abap' ).

WRITE: lv_upper.  " Output: SAP ABAP

✅ Shorter syntax, ideal for modern ABAP (7.40+).

4. Using XSDBOOL in SQL Queries

For uppercase conversions in SQL statements, use UPPER.

SELECT UPPER(name) INTO @DATA(lv_upper)
  FROM my_table
  WHERE id = 1.

WRITE: lv_upper.

✅ Converts database field to uppercase before fetching.

🚀 Summary: Best Methods to Convert to Uppercase