PostgreSQL Error 22016 – invalid_argument_for_nth_value_function

What is PostgreSQL error 22016 (invalid_argument_for_nth_value_function)?

Error 22016 signals that the numeric argument supplied to the NTH_VALUE window function is not a valid positive integer. PostgreSQL aborts the query because it cannot resolve which row to return at the requested position.

The problem typically surfaces in analytics queries that calculate N-th occurrences inside a PARTITION BY frame.

Fixing the offset or providing a safe default restores normal execution.

What Causes This Error?

Passing a NULL, zero, or negative literal or expression to NTH_VALUE immediately triggers the 22016 condition.

PostgreSQL expects a 1-based ordinal.

Using a non-integer type, such as NUMERIC with decimals or text that fails implicit cast, also raises the same error because the engine cannot coerce it to a valid INT.

How to Fix PostgreSQL Error 22016

Validate the argument so it is a positive INT. Apply COALESCE to replace NULL, ABS() to remove negatives, or CEIL() to strip decimals before calling NTH_VALUE.

Adjust the WINDOW frame.

Specifying ROWS BETWEEN UNBOUNDED PRECEDING AND UNBOUNDED FOLLOWING ensures the requested position exists, avoiding NULL that later becomes an invalid offset.

Common Scenarios and Solutions

Parameter-driven reports often accept an offset from the UI. Add a CHECK constraint or CAST that forces values >=1 before embedding them in the query.

Incremental counters can turn negative after JOIN filters.

Wrap the expression with GREATEST(counter,1) so the function never sees 0 or negatives.

Best Practices to Avoid This Error

Always sanitize external parameters. Use domain types or CHECK constraints enforcing offset > 0.

Test analytic queries with edge-case offsets during development. Galaxy’s editor lets you parameterize test runs, catch the error early, and share the corrected query with your team.

Related Errors and Solutions

ERROR 22003 numeric_value_out_of_range occurs when the offset overflows INT.

Cast to BIGINT or clamp the value.

ERROR 2201X invalid_row_count_in_limit_clause appears when LIMIT receives a negative or NULL value. The mitigation strategy is similar – validate inputs.

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