Defining a column for calculation purposes only

Use ghost columns when you want to reference a column in a calculation, but do not want to print the column in the report. For example, you can show the total of two or more columns without printing the columns that make up the total. This procedure describes the process for defining ghost columns.

Access Format (RW20.1).
If this is an existing format, then use the Inquire form action on the format where you want to define a ghost column.
Click More next to the column that you want to define as a ghost column to access Column Options (RW20.3).

Note: Print the report without ghosting the column first to verify if you are getting the correct results. After you are satisfied, mark the column as a ghost column.
In the Ghost Column field, click Yes.

Follow-up tasks

Reference the ghost column with a data dictionary name, such as COLM(X), in a compute statement to include the values in the report without printing the column.