The method of getting string lengths in SQL varies from database system to database system and is mainly implemented using built-in functions. 1. In MySQL and PostgreSQL, use the LENGTH() function to count the total number of characters, including spaces and special symbols, and is case-insensitive. For example, SELECT LENGTH('Hello World') returns 11; 2. In SQL Server, use the LEN() function, but the end space will be ignored, such as SELECT LEN('Hello World') returns 11; 3. If you need to include the end space or process byte length, SQL Server can use DATALENGTH() to return the number of bytes, such as SELECT DATALENGTH('Hello World') returns 14 (VARCHAR type); 4. The length of the empty string is 0, and the NULL value returns NULL. Pay attention to the difference between encoding and database when using it. It is recommended to check the document first to confirm the applicability of the function.
Getting the length of a string in SQL is actually a very common operation, and it is usually implemented with built-in functions. Different database systems may have slight differences, but the mainstream approaches are basically the same.

Use the LENGTH()
function (suitable for MySQL, PostgreSQL)
This is the most direct method, especially in MySQL and PostgreSQL.

SELECT LENGTH('Hello World') AS string_length;
This statement will return 11 because 'Hello World'
includes spaces in total 11 characters.
What should be noted is:

- Is this function case sensitive? Indistinguishable, only the total number of characters is calculated.
- What if the string contains Chinese or special symbols? It can still be counted correctly, as long as the database supports the corresponding character set.
Use the LEN()
function (for SQL Server)
If you are using SQL Server, then change the function:
SELECT LEN('Hello World') AS string_length;
The result is also 11. However, there is a small pit here: LEN()
will automatically remove the space at the end of the string and then count the length. for example:
SELECT LEN('Hello World') -- The result is still 11
So if you pay special attention to the end space, this function may not be suitable.
Use CHAR_LENGTH()
or DATALENGTH()
(other cases)
Some databases have other functions that can be used, such as:
-
CHAR_LENGTH()
andLENGTH()
effects of MySQL/PostgreSQL are the same. - In SQL Server , if you want to include the end space, you can use
DATALENGTH()
, which returns the number of bytes instead of characters, so be careful about character encoding:
SELECT DATALENGTH('Hello World') -- Return 14 (assuming it is VARCHAR type)
If it is a Unicode character (such as NVARCHAR), each character takes up two bytes, and the result is 28.
Tips
- If you are not sure which function to use, check the database documentation you are using to confirm whether
LENGTH()
orLEN()
is supported. - In most cases, it is recommended to use
LENGTH()
as it is more general. - The length of the empty string
''
is 0. - The NULL value will cause the result to be NULL, please be careful to deal with this situation.
Basically all that is. Although it is simple, it is easy to encounter differences in details, especially when migrating between different databases.
The above is the detailed content of How to find the length of a string in SQL. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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