<p>The precision specified in a DECIMAL or NUMERIC column definition exceeds MySQL's maximum of 65 digits.</p>
<p>MySQL Error 1426 ER_TOO_BIG_PRECISION arises when a DECIMAL or NUMERIC column is defined with more than 65 digits of precision. Fix the issue by lowering the precision to 65 or less, then rerun the CREATE or ALTER statement.</p>
Too-big precision %d specified for '%s'. Maximum is %lu.
MySQL returns error 1426 ER_TOO_BIG_PRECISION when a CREATE TABLE or ALTER TABLE statement defines a DECIMAL or NUMERIC column with precision above the allowed limit. Precision is the total count of digits stored. MySQL enforces a hard cap of 65 digits. Any definition that exceeds this limit is rejected with SQLSTATE 42000.
The error occurs only when schema definitions breach numeric limits. Typical examples are DECIMAL(100,2) or NUMERIC(70,10). Generated columns, stored routine parameters, and migration scripts can also trigger the error if they inherit or introduce an oversized precision value.
Reduce the precision to 65 or below and ensure scale is not greater than precision. For large integers, use DECIMAL(65,0) or split values across columns. After correction, rerun the DDL statement. Always test in a staging environment before applying changes in production.
Data migration tools copying schemas from Oracle or SQL Server may create DECIMAL(128,10) columns that exceed MySQL limits. Update mapping rules to cap precision at 65. ETL jobs that infer DECIMAL sizes from long numeric strings should cast values to VARCHAR first, then convert to DECIMAL with valid precision.
Model tables with realistic precision early in the design phase. Document the 65 digit rule in coding standards. Integrate Galaxy or static analysis tools in CI pipelines to flag oversized definitions before they reach production. Review all inbound migration scripts for numeric field sizes.
ER_TOO_BIG_SCALE appears when the scale component exceeds limits. ER_M_BIGGER_THAN_D is raised when scale is larger than precision. Both errors are resolved by adjusting DECIMAL arguments similarly to ER_TOO_BIG_PRECISION.
Using DECIMAL(100,2) or any precision above 65 digits immediately triggers the error.
Automated schema converters may copy high precision numeric fields from other engines without reducing size, causing failure in MySQL.
Generated columns or procedure variables that inherit expressions with excessive precision are validated and rejected during creation.
Scale value exceeds the allowed limit or the defined precision. Lower the scale.
Scale is larger than precision. Swap parameters or reduce scale.
Data value contains more digits than the column allows. Increase precision or sanitize input data.
MySQL 5.7 and 8.0 permit up to 65 digits in any DECIMAL or NUMERIC column.
Yes. ALTER TABLE modifies storage of the column, causing index rebuilds. Schedule maintenance windows for large tables.
Galaxy validates schema changes in its editor and warns when a DECIMAL exceeds 65 digits. Its AI copilot rewrites statements with valid precision.
No. The server blocks the DDL command before execution completes, so data is never inserted until the schema is fixed.
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