TSQL error: Operand data type bit is invalid for add operator

Question

I am in the process of converting some Access queries into tsql and this error pops up when I try to execute the query. I am guessing that SQL Server does not allow adding of 'bit' types, so I found the cultprit lines where that occurs and they are:

SELECT DISTINCT 
   [modules].[b]+[modules].[w]+[modules].[e]+[modules].[j]+
   [modules].[p]+[modules].[s] AS approvalRating, -- other columns here --

And:

ORDER BY [modules].[b]+[modules].[w]+[modules].[e]+[modules].[j]+
   [modules].[p]+[modules].[s],
   modulePriority.configPriority, 
   [modulePositionalData].[highPos]-[modulePositionalData].[lowPos]+1, 
   modulePositionalData.iMax;

Now I did not create the original Access queries and I have no idea what was the intention of adding that Boolean fields which makes it a bit problematic, but is there a way to allow the operations to be performed and result to be the same as performed by Access?

Answer 1

you can't add bit fields in sql server

But you can cast them to int

so

CAST(yourBitField as int) + CAST (yourSecondBitField as int)

By the way (would say it's due to type preference order), it will be ok if you cast only one of them

CAST(yourBitField as int) + yourSecondBitField

But casting all is probably "easier to read and understand".

Answer 2

You cannot add bits in SQL Server, as they can only be 0 or 1. You can however convert them to integer values first and then add them. To convert a bit to an int, use the CAST function:

CAST([modules].[b] AS INT) + CAST([modules].[w] AS INT) + CAST([modules].[e] AS INT) ... etc

See more on SQL Server type conversion here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms187928.aspx

Answer 3

if the fields are fromt typ char it works. SELECT [field1]+ [field2] as test , [field3] FROM [table] order by test

if the fiels are from an other type you must cast them

This works in my database

Answer 4

As they are bits you can 'OR' them together with | : https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms176122.aspx This will give you the same result.