Error
Error Code:
1439
MySQL Error 1439: Display Width Out of Range
Description
This error occurs when attempting to define or alter a numeric column (such as INT, TINYINT, or BIGINT) with a display width that exceeds the maximum permissible value of 255. It indicates an invalid column definition specification in your DDL statement.
Error Message
Display width out of range for column '%s' (max = %lu)
Known Causes
3 known causesInvalid Column Definition
Defining a numeric column in a CREATE TABLE or ALTER TABLE statement with a display width greater than 255, which is the absolute maximum allowed by MySQL.
Misunderstanding Display Width
Mistakenly attempting to use display width to enforce value length or range, rather than its intended purpose for output formatting (e.g., with ZEROFILL).
Typographical Error in DDL
An accidental input of an excessively large number for the display width parameter during the creation or modification of a table.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Adjust Column Definition to Accommodate Larger Values easy
Increase the display width of the affected column to match the maximum expected value.
1
Identify the exact column causing the error. The error message often includes the column name.
2
Determine the maximum possible value that this column needs to store. If it's a numeric type, consider the range of numbers. If it's a string type, consider the maximum length of strings.
3
Modify the table schema to increase the display width of the column. For numeric types, this might involve changing the `M` value in `DECIMAL(P,S,M)` or `INT(M)`. For string types, this typically means increasing the length of `VARCHAR` or `CHAR`.
ALTER TABLE your_table_name MODIFY COLUMN your_column_name VARCHAR(255); -- Example for VARCHAR
ALTER TABLE your_table_name MODIFY COLUMN your_column_name INT(11); -- Example for INT with display width4
If the column is a `DECIMAL` type, ensure both precision (P) and scale (S) are adequate, and that the display width (M) is sufficient. The display width for numeric types is primarily for display purposes and does not affect the storage capacity or range of values, but it can be the source of this specific error if set too low.
ALTER TABLE your_table_name MODIFY COLUMN your_column_name DECIMAL(10, 2); -- Example for DECIMAL2. Re-evaluate Data Type and Length for Optimal Storage medium
Choose a data type and length that precisely fits your data, avoiding unnecessarily large definitions.
1
Analyze the data currently stored in the problematic column. Understand the typical and maximum lengths or values.
2
Consider if the current data type is the most appropriate. For example, if a column only stores small integers, `TINYINT` might be more suitable than `INT`. If it stores strings that are consistently short, `CHAR` might be more efficient than a very large `VARCHAR`.
3
If the current definition is excessively large and not required, reduce the length or change the data type. This can also improve storage efficiency.
ALTER TABLE your_table_name MODIFY COLUMN your_column_name VARCHAR(50); -- If 50 characters is sufficient
ALTER TABLE your_table_name MODIFY COLUMN your_column_name SMALLINT; -- If a smaller integer type is appropriate4
If the data genuinely requires a larger range or length than the current definition allows, use the appropriate data type and size. For example, `BIGINT` for very large integers, or `TEXT` types for long strings.
ALTER TABLE your_table_name MODIFY COLUMN your_column_name BIGINT; -- For very large integers
ALTER TABLE your_table_name MODIFY COLUMN your_column_name LONGTEXT; -- For very long strings3. Address Data Insertion/Update Logic Causing Over-Sizing advanced
Correct the application logic that is attempting to insert or update data that exceeds the column's display width.
1
Examine the application code or SQL queries responsible for inserting or updating data into the affected column.
2
Identify where the data exceeding the column's display width is originating. This could be user input, calculation results, or data from another source.
3
Implement data validation or sanitization in the application layer before attempting to write to the database. This ensures that data conforms to the expected size and format.
4
Modify SQL queries to correctly truncate or format data if necessary, ensuring it fits within the column's definition. Alternatively, adjust the application's data handling to produce values within the defined limits.
UPDATE your_table_name SET your_column_name = SUBSTRING(your_column_name, 1, 255) WHERE LENGTH(your_column_name) > 255; -- Example of truncating data in SQL