Generating new variable for each case (sum of several variables)

[christina anderws]

I would appreciate your help:

I am looking to generate a new variable that is a sum of several continuous variables and a substraction of one (or more). The total value needs to be calculated for each individual case (row) separately.

For example:

(ID_01) var01 + var02 +var03 - var04 = new_variable
(ID_02) var01 + var02 +var03 - var04 = new_variable
(ID_03) var01 + var02 +var03 - var04 = new_variable

What would be the best approach. I have attempted this following guidance but I seem to get a total for all individual cases.

[Rich Goldstein]

you neither show what you tried nor provide a data example (please read the FAQ), but this should be straightforward using the -generate- command; see

h gen

note, in the help file, the ability set the type so that you can set to long or even double if needed

[Nick Cox]

The syntax is the same for each identifier if I understand you correctly

gen wanted = var01 + var02 +var03 - var04

If you're still puzzled, you may need to show the syntax you did use. Or a data example with real(istic) data and the desired result.