MySQL raises ER_INVALID_FIELD_SIZE (error 3013) when a column definition specifies a size that is not allowed for its data type.
MySQL ER_INVALID_FIELD_SIZE (error 3013) appears when you define a column length that exceeds or violates the limits of its data type. Check the CREATE or ALTER statement and supply a valid size, then rerun the command to resolve the error.
ER_INVALID_FIELD_SIZE
MySQL throws ER_INVALID_FIELD_SIZE when a CREATE TABLE or ALTER TABLE statement defines a column length that is not permitted for the chosen data type. The server halts the DDL operation and returns error code 3013 with SQL state HY000.
Fixing the problem is important because the table or column will not be created or modified until the size is corrected. Applications depending on that DDL script will fail to deploy or migrate.
The error occurs when the specified length, precision, or scale violates documented limits. For example, VARCHAR(70000) exceeds the 65535 byte row limit, and DECIMAL(70,40) exceeds the maximum 65 digits.
It can also arise from mis-calculations during schema migrations, automated code generation, or copying definitions between incompatible storage engines or MySQL versions.
Correct the size so it falls within valid bounds. Review MySQL data type limits in the reference manual, then change the column definition accordingly.
After adjusting the size, rerun the DDL statement. The operation will succeed once every column complies with the engine limits.
When importing CSV data, developers sometimes set VARCHAR lengths equal to the maximum observed value. Switching to VARCHAR(255) or TEXT often resolves the error while keeping storage efficient.
For monetory values, DECIMAL(65,30) is safe for most use cases. Avoid over-allocating precision such as DECIMAL(100,50) which triggers the error.
Always consult MySQL type limits before defining columns. Use smaller data types where possible to conserve space and stay within row size limits.
Automate schema validation in CI pipelines. Tools like Galaxy flag invalid column sizes directly in the editor, preventing broken migrations from reaching production.
ER_TOO_BIG_ROWSIZE appears when the total row length exceeds 65535 bytes. Reduce individual column sizes or convert large VARCHAR to TEXT.
ER_INVALID_DECIMAL_ERRORS occurs when DECIMAL precision or scale is invalid. Adjust the numeric definition to fit within 65 total digits and non-negative scale.
Defining VARCHAR or CHAR with a length above the allowed maximum triggers the error.
Even if a single column is valid, adding it can push the total row length beyond 65535 bytes.
Setting precision or scale above 65 digits or making scale larger than precision will fail.
Duplicating DDL from other systems without adapting to MySQL limits often causes invalid sizes.
Total row length exceeds 65535 bytes. Reduce column sizes or convert to TEXT/BLOB.
Invalid precision or scale for DECIMAL type. Ensure precision ≤65 and scale ≤ precision.
Index column length is too long. Shorten indexed VARCHAR or use a prefix length.
No. The limits are hard coded in the server and depend on storage engine constraints.
Yes. Multi-byte character sets like utf8mb4 use up to four bytes per character, reducing the maximum length you can specify.
Galaxy flags invalid column sizes as you type and enforces linting rules in shared collections, stopping faulty DDL before deployment.
Using appropriate lengths can improve cache efficiency and reduce disk I/O, but choosing overly small limits can cause data truncation.
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