> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.maia.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# For input string: value cannot be converted to a number

> Resolve the error returned when a NUMBER variable receives text it can't read as a number.

## Error message

```text wrap theme={null}
For input string: "${MY_VARIABLE}"
```

This error can appear when using the following components: [If](https://docs.maia.ai/docs/components/if.md), [Run Orchestration](https://docs.maia.ai/docs/components/run-orchestration.md), and any component with a NUMBER variable.

### Explanation

A NUMBER variable received text it couldn't read as a number. Often the text is a variable name in `${…}` form that was never filled in, or an empty value.

### Potential causes

* A child pipeline expects a variable from its parent, and the parent didn't pass it, so the placeholder `${NAME}` stays as text.
* The variable's value is empty or contains text, such as a message like "value empty".
* An If component compares a NUMBER variable to a text value.

***

## Resolve the error

1. Look at the text after `For input string:`. If it reads `${SOME_NAME}`, that variable wasn't given a value.
2. In the parent pipeline, check that the Run Orchestration component passes the variable in its scalar variable settings.
3. [Give the variable a numeric default value](https://docs.maia.ai/docs/guides/variables.md), or change its type to TEXT if text is valid.
4. Check any If component that tests this variable so it compares like with like.
5. Run the pipeline again.
6. If you still need help, [contact Maia Support](https://support.matillion.com/s/) and include the items listed below.

   * The pipeline and variable names.
   * The full text after `For input string`.

### Prevent future errors

To prevent this error occurring again:

* [Set numeric defaults on every NUMBER variable](https://docs.maia.ai/docs/guides/variables.md).
* Test child pipelines on their own, without a parent, to catch unset variables.


## Related topics

- [Grid variable does not contain the expected column](https://docs.maia.ai/docs/errors/grid-variable-does-not-contain-the-expected-column.md)
- [SQL compilation error in the warehouse](https://docs.maia.ai/docs/errors/sql-compilation-error-in-the-warehouse.md)


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