How can I convert a string to a float in mysql?

Question

I have a table containing latitude and longitude values stored as strings (VARCHAR) which I\'d like to convert to FLOAT (10,6).

However the

Answer 1

This will convert to a numeric value without the need to cast or specify length or digits:

STRING_COL+0.0

If your column is an INT, can leave off the .0 to avoid decimals:

STRING_COL+0