The following table summarizes the scope of various COBOL language elements.
| Language element | Can be referenced from: | Lifetime same as: |
|---|---|---|
| ADDRESS-OF special register | Same as associated record | Program invocation instance |
| Files | Run unit | Run unit |
| Index data | Program | Program invocation instance |
| LENGTH of special register | Same as associated identifier | Same as associated identifier |
| LINAGE-COUNTER special register | Run unit | Run unit |
| LINKAGE-SECTION data | Run unit | Based on scope of underlying data |
| LOCAL-STORAGE data | Within the thread | Program invocation instance |
| RETURN-CODE | Run unit | Program invocation instance |
| SORT-CONTROL, SORT-CORE-SIZE, SORT-RETURN, TALLY special registers | Run unit | Program invocation instance |
| WHEN-COMPILED special register | Run unit | Run unit |
| WORKING-STORAGE data | Run unit | Run unit |