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Description

MySQL Error 1425, 'Too big scale specified', indicates that you've attempted to define a `DECIMAL` or `NUMERIC` column with a scale (number of digits after the decimal point) that exceeds the maximum permissible value. This can happen when the scale is larger than the total precision or when it surpasses MySQL's internal limits for such data types, preventing table creation or alteration.

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Error Message

Too big scale %d specified for column '%s'. Maximum is %lu.

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Known Causes

3 known causes

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Scale Exceeds Precision

This occurs when the specified scale (number of digits after the decimal point) for a `DECIMAL(P,S)` column is greater than the total precision (total number of digits), which is logically impossible.

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Scale Exceeds MySQL Limit

The requested scale surpasses the maximum number of digits allowed after the decimal point by MySQL for `DECIMAL` or `NUMERIC` types, which is typically 30 or 65 depending on the context.

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Typo or Miscalculation

An accidental input error or a miscalculation of the required precision and scale values during column definition can lead to an invalid scale.

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Solutions

3 solutions available

1. Adjust Decimal Scale to Maximum Allowed easy

Modify the column definition to use a scale within MySQL's limits.

1

Identify the table and column causing the error. The error message usually provides this information.

2

Determine the maximum allowed scale for decimal types in your MySQL version. For most versions, this is 30. You can verify this by checking the MySQL documentation for your specific version.

3

Alter the table to change the column's data type to a DECIMAL with a valid scale. Replace `your_table`, `your_column`, `new_precision`, and `new_scale` with your actual values.

ALTER TABLE your_table MODIFY COLUMN your_column DECIMAL(new_precision, new_scale);

4

If you need a scale larger than 30, consider if a DECIMAL is truly the best data type. For extremely high precision requirements, you might need to explore alternative approaches like using string representations and custom logic for calculations, or a different database system if available.

2. Reduce Scale for Existing Data medium

Lower the scale of a DECIMAL column to a permissible value, potentially involving data truncation.

1

Identify the table and column that has an invalid decimal scale. The error message will specify the column name.

2

Examine the current data in the column to understand the precision and scale being used and the potential impact of reducing the scale. Use `DESCRIBE your_table;` or `SHOW CREATE TABLE your_table;` to see the current definition.

DESCRIBE your_table;

3

Alter the table to modify the column's definition with a smaller, valid scale. Ensure the new scale is less than or equal to the maximum allowed (typically 30). Be aware that this might truncate existing data if the fractional part exceeds the new scale.

ALTER TABLE your_table MODIFY COLUMN your_column DECIMAL(current_precision, new_valid_scale);

4

If data truncation is a concern, consider backing up the data before making the change and implementing a strategy to handle or reformat the truncated values.

3. Review and Correct Data Insertion/Update Statements easy

Ensure that values being inserted or updated into DECIMAL columns do not exceed the defined scale.

1

Examine the SQL statements that are causing the error, specifically `INSERT` and `UPDATE` statements that target the problematic column.

2

Check the values being provided for the `your_column`. If the value has more decimal places than the column's defined scale, it will cause this error. For example, if `your_column` is `DECIMAL(10, 2)`, a value like `123.456` will fail.

3

Modify your `INSERT` or `UPDATE` statements to provide values that conform to the column's defined precision and scale. You can round or truncate the values in your application code or within the SQL statement itself before insertion.

UPDATE your_table SET your_column = ROUND(your_value, column_scale) WHERE ...;

4

If the application logic is responsible for generating these values, update the application code to ensure it respects the database schema's decimal scale.

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Related Errors

5 related errors

MySQL Error 1425: Invalid Decimal Scale