---
title: "MAP_NUMERIC_TO_LIST(): convert a numeric code into a List value"
description: map_numeric_to_list() returns a List value by mapping a Numeric code to a reference List variable. It is mainly used to standardize answers when the same…
---
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# MAP\_NUMERIC\_TO\_LIST(): convert a numeric code into a List value
`map_numeric_to_list()` returns a **List** value by mapping a **Numeric** code to a **reference List** variable.
It is mainly used to **standardize answers** when the same question exists in multiple languages (or multiple versions), and you want one analysis-ready variable in a single reference language.
## Syntax
```
map_numeric_to_list(NumericCode, ReferenceList)
```
- **NumericCode**: a `Numeric` value (often produced by `first_numeric_value()`)
- **ReferenceList**: a `List` variable used as the mapping dictionary (the output will use its labels)
**Return type:** `List` (same structure and labels as `ReferenceList`)
## How it works
`map_numeric_to_list()` searches the **reference list** for a modality whose **numeric value** matches `NumericCode`.
- If a match is found → returns the corresponding **List modality** (with the reference labels)
- If no match is found → returns **null** (shown as **“NC”** in the eCRF)
- If `NumericCode` is null → returns **null**
## Typical use case: build one analysis variable from a multilingual ePRO question
### Example: Smoking status (List) in 3 languages
You collect the same question in multiple languages:
- `Smoking_EN` (List)
- `Smoking_FR` (List)
- `Smoking_DE` (List)
Each List uses the **same numeric codes**:
- `0` = Never smoked
- `1` = Stopped smoking
- `2` = Currently smoking
Patients answer only one variable, depending on their language.
### Goal
Create one variable for analysis, always expressed using **English labels**:
- `Smoking` (List, English)
### Formula
```
Smoking = map_numeric_to_list( first_numeric_value(Smoking_EN, Smoking_FR, Smoking_DE), Smoking_EN )
```
What happens:
1. `first_numeric_value(...)` returns the numeric code of the answered language variable (0/1/2)
2. `map_numeric_to_list(..., Smoking_EN)` converts that code into the **English List modality**
## Requirements and expected behavior
- **Numeric codes must be aligned across language-specific Lists.**
If “Stopped smoking” is `1` in `Smoking_EN`, then the equivalent modality must also be `1` in `Smoking_FR` and `Smoking_DE`.
- **If the numeric code does not exist in the reference list → result is null** (displayed as **“NC”**).
- **If the numeric input is null → result is null** (displayed as **“NC”**).
## Practical tips
- Use a stable reference list as the second argument (usually the language you want for statistics and exports, e.g., `*_EN`).
- If you change the reference list structure or numeric codes, it can change the mapping result. Keep codes stable once your study is live.
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