MySQL throws ER_INVALID_GROUP_FUNC_USE when an aggregate function appears where only column references are allowed, such as in WHERE or ORDER BY without a proper GROUP BY or HAVING clause.
MySQL Error 1111 (ER_INVALID_GROUP_FUNC_USE) signals that an aggregate function like SUM() or MAX() is used in an illegal clause. Rewrite the query so the aggregate lives in HAVING, SELECT, or a subquery to clear the error and run successfully.
Invalid use of group function
The error message "Invalid use of group function" appears when MySQL detects an aggregate function placed in a clause that is parsed before grouping occurs.
The server cannot evaluate aggregates like SUM(), AVG(), MAX(), or MIN() until rows are grouped, so it halts and returns error 1111.
Developers often encounter it while filtering rows in a WHERE clause, sorting results in ORDER BY, or comparing grouped values in a JOIN condition.
Any location processed before GROUP BY or HAVING can trigger the exception.
Queries that misuse aggregates fail entirely, blocking critical reports, dashboards, and ETL jobs. Resolving the issue restores data availability, removes production noise, and keeps analytic pipelines reliable.
Placing aggregates in WHERE filters, ORDER BY expressions, ON join predicates, or UPDATE/DELETE statements without proper subqueries is the primary cause.
Missing GROUP BY clauses or mis-ordered SELECT statements also contribute.
Move the aggregate function to a HAVING clause, add the missing GROUP BY columns, or wrap the grouping logic in a derived table or common table expression. These changes ensure the server evaluates aggregates after grouping.
Filtering with WHERE SUM(col) > 10 should become HAVING SUM(col) > 10.
Sorting with ORDER BY COUNT(*) needs a subquery: SELECT * FROM (SELECT id, COUNT(*) AS c FROM t GROUP BY id) AS x ORDER BY c DESC.
Always remember query phase order: FROM-JOIN, WHERE, GROUP BY, HAVING, SELECT, ORDER BY.
Use HAVING for aggregate filters, maintain clear GROUP BY lists, and test complex queries in a modern editor like Galaxy to catch mistakes early.
Errors 1055 (ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY) and 1140 (ER_AGGREGATE_ORDER_FOR_UNION) often follow similar misuse of grouping rules. Fixing query semantics or adjusting sql_mode resolves them.
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Using SUM(), COUNT(), or other group functions directly inside WHERE triggers error 1111 because WHERE executes before grouping.
Ordering by COUNT(*) or MAX(col) without first selecting the aggregate in a derived table causes MySQL to reject the query.
Referencing non-aggregated columns while also using an aggregate may produce the same error when ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY mode is enabled.
Placing SUM() or AVG() inside ON conflicts with grouping rules and leads to ER_INVALID_GROUP_FUNC_USE.
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No. Unlike ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY, ER_INVALID_GROUP_FUNC_USE cannot be bypassed with sql_mode changes. You must rewrite the query.
MariaDB uses the same code (1111) and message. The fixes are identical.
HAVING is processed after GROUP BY, so aggregates are already computed. WHERE runs earlier and lacks grouped values.
Galaxy's syntax checker flags aggregates in illegal clauses and offers AI refactors that move them to HAVING or subqueries automatically.
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