Why can't Stata read all the observations in my data set?

Stata loads your data set into memory (including virtual memory) before beginning an analysis, but it does not automatically use all the memory available in your computer. The default memory size for Stata/SE is 50MB; for Stata/IC it is 10MB.

If you have only a small amount of memory assigned and a large data set to read, Stata might give you a warning message such as:

"No room to add more observations"

If this happens, you will need to increase the memory size using the . set memory command, for example:

Note: The 100m means 100MB.

To check the current memory available to Stata, enter:

Note: Increasing memory size does not always improve the overall performance of Stata. The optimal memory size depends both upon computing resources and upon the size of the data set.

For more about statistical and mathematical software, email the UITS Stat/Math Center, visit the center's web page, or phone 812-855-4724 (IUB) or 317-278-4740 (IUPUI). The center is located in Bloomington at 410 N. Park Avenue, and is open for consultation by appointment Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

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