MySQL throws ER_STD_LENGTH_ERROR (code 3046, SQLSTATE HY000) when a built-in function receives data whose length is incompatible with the function's expected standard length.
ER_STD_LENGTH_ERROR appears when a MySQL function receives a value of unexpected length. Verify the input size, cast or truncate oversized data, and adjust column definitions to resolve the issue.
ER_STD_LENGTH_ERROR
ER_STD_LENGTH_ERROR is a runtime length mismatch error introduced in MySQL 5.7.5. The server raises it when a built-in SQL function or operator receives a string or binary value whose actual length does not match the function's required standard length.
The error halts the current statement and returns SQLSTATE HY000 with code 3046, protecting the engine from inconsistent data processing.
A common trigger is passing a VARCHAR, CHAR, BINARY or VARBINARY value longer or shorter than the fixed size expected by a function such as BIT_AND, SHA, or certain spatial functions.
It also appears when implicit casts truncate or pad data, especially during upgrades where default lengths change. Incorrect argument ordering or overlooked multibyte character sets can surface the problem.
First, identify the failing function reported in the message. Inspect all arguments and verify their byte length with CHAR_LENGTH or OCTET_LENGTH. Match each argument to the documented length requirement.
Cast values explicitly, resize columns with ALTER TABLE, or substring the data before calling the function. Always test in a staging database before changing production schemas.
Checksum calculations often fail when the input exceeds 255 bytes. Truncate large payloads or switch to a hash function that handles arbitrary length, such as SHA2.
BIT operations fail on VARBINARY columns of differing sizes. Align the column lengths or cast shorter values with LPAD and longer values with SUBSTRING.
Store fixed-size binary data in well-sized BINARY or CHAR fields. Validate incoming strings at the application layer and use CHECK constraints where available.
Add unit tests for database functions in CI pipelines. Galaxy's SQL editor highlights mismatched types during code review, reducing production errors.
ER_DATA_TOO_LONG (1406) appears when inserted data exceeds column length, while ER_TRUNCATED_WRONG_VALUE (1292) indicates invalid value truncation. Address them with similar length validation techniques.
Function argument longer than required standard length.
Implicit cast of multibyte characters causing byte overflow.
Column definition shorter or longer than legacy data length.
Upgrade to 5.7.5+ exposing hidden length mismatches.
Insertion exceeds column length. Fix by resizing columns or truncating data.
Value truncated incorrectly due to type mismatch. Resolve with explicit casts.
Occurs during charset conversion with invalid length. Validate encoding.
No. It can affect binary types as well when their byte length mismatches a function's requirement.
Yes. It was added in MySQL 5.7.5, so earlier versions return different errors for similar cases.
Galaxy's editor displays real-time type hints and validates argument lengths, helping engineers catch length mismatches before execution.
Enable general query log, capture the failing statement, and check each argument's length with CHAR_LENGTH.
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