Error
Error Code:
1425
MariaDB Error 1425: Scale Exceeds Column Limit
Description
This error occurs when defining a `DECIMAL` or `NUMERIC` column with a scale (number of digits after the decimal point) that is larger than the maximum allowed. It typically manifests during `CREATE TABLE` or `ALTER TABLE` statements when the specified scale exceeds the system's limit or the column's overall precision.
Error Message
Too big scale %d specified for column '%s'. Maximum is %lu.
Known Causes
3 known causesInvalid Column Scale Definition
Attempting to define a `DECIMAL` or `NUMERIC` column with a scale value that is greater than the maximum allowed by the database system or the column's total precision.
Misunderstanding DECIMAL Syntax
Incorrectly specifying the precision (total number of digits) and scale (digits after decimal) parameters in `DECIMAL(P,S)`, leading to a scale value that is too large relative to the precision.
Database Version Limitations
The maximum allowed scale for `DECIMAL` or `NUMERIC` columns can vary slightly between different MariaDB versions or specific configurations, causing errors with definitions that might be valid elsewhere.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Adjust Column Scale to Maximum Allowed easy
Reduce the scale of the problematic column to the maximum supported by MariaDB.
1
Identify the table and column causing the error. The error message typically provides this information (e.g., 'Too big scale 50 specified for column 'my_decimal_col'. Maximum is 30.').
2
Determine the maximum allowed scale for the column. This is usually indicated in the error message itself.
3
Modify the table definition to set the column's scale to the maximum allowed value. Replace 'your_table', 'your_column', and the new scale with your specific details.
ALTER TABLE your_table MODIFY COLUMN your_column DECIMAL(precision, max_allowed_scale);4
If the original precision was also too high, you might need to adjust that as well. The `DECIMAL(precision, scale)` syntax means `precision` is the total number of digits and `scale` is the number of digits after the decimal point. The maximum `precision` is 65, and the maximum `scale` is 30.
ALTER TABLE your_table MODIFY COLUMN your_column DECIMAL(65, 30);2. Reduce Column Precision and Scale easy
Lower both the precision and scale of the decimal column to a valid range.
1
Analyze the data requirements for the column. Determine the minimum precision and scale needed to store your data accurately.
2
Modify the table to redefine the column with reduced precision and scale. Ensure the new scale does not exceed the maximum allowed (typically 30).
ALTER TABLE your_table MODIFY COLUMN your_column DECIMAL(new_precision, new_scale);3
If you are unsure about the exact required precision and scale, start with a reasonable smaller value and test.
ALTER TABLE your_table MODIFY COLUMN your_column DECIMAL(10, 4); -- Example: Precision 10, Scale 43. Re-evaluate Data Type Choice medium
Consider if DECIMAL is the appropriate data type for the scale required.
1
Understand the limitations of the `DECIMAL` data type in MariaDB. The maximum scale is 30.
2
If your application truly requires a scale greater than 30, consider alternative data types or strategies:
3
Option 1: Store as a String/VARCHAR and perform calculations in the application layer. This is often suitable if the precision is for display or specific string manipulation.
ALTER TABLE your_table MODIFY COLUMN your_column VARCHAR(255); -- Adjust length as needed4
Option 2: Store the value as an integer representing the smallest unit (e.g., store cents instead of dollars). This requires careful application logic to convert to and from the desired decimal representation.
ALTER TABLE your_table MODIFY COLUMN your_column BIGINT; -- Example, adjust type if necessary5
Option 3: If you need very high precision and scale for scientific or financial calculations, consider using specialized libraries or external tools that handle arbitrary-precision arithmetic, and store the results in a simpler format in MariaDB.