title: Converting Scientific Notation to float (string to float) in SQL (Redshift)
body: <p>I am trying to convert/cast a string of scientific notation (for example, '9.62809864308e-05') into a float in SQL.</p>
  
  <p>I tried the standard method: CONVERT(FLOAT, x) where x = '9.62809864308e-05', but it returns the error message: Unimplemented fixed char conversion function - bpchar_float8:2585.</p>
  
  <p>What I'm doing is very straightforward. My table has 2 columns: ID and rate (with rate being the string scientific notation that I am trying to cast to float). I added a 3rd column to my table and tried to populate the 3rd column with the float representation of x:</p>
  
  <pre><code>UPDATE my_table
  SET 3rd_column = CONVERT(FLOAT, 2nd_column)
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>Data type of <code>2nd_column</code> is <code>CHAR(20)</code></p>
  
  <p>Furthermore, not every string float is in scientific notation -- some are in normal float notation. So I'm wondering if there is a built in function that can take care of all of this.</p>
  
  <p>Thank you!</p>