PostgreSQL: max Function
This PostgreSQL tutorial explains how to use the PostgreSQL max function with syntax and examples.
Description
The PostgreSQL max function returns the maximum value of an expression.
Syntax
The syntax for the max function in PostgreSQL is:
SELECT max(aggregate_expression) FROM tables [WHERE conditions];
OR the syntax for the max function when grouping the results by one or more columns is:
SELECT expression1, expression2, ... expression_n, max(aggregate_expression) FROM tables [WHERE conditions] GROUP BY expression1, expression2, ... expression_n;
Parameters or Arguments
- expression1, expression2, ... expression_n
- Expressions that are not encapsulated within the max function and must be included in the GROUP BY clause at the end of the SQL statement.
- aggregate_expression
- This is the column or expression from which the maximum value will be returned.
- tables
- The tables that you wish to retrieve records from. There must be at least one table listed in the FROM clause.
- WHERE conditions
- Optional. These are conditions that must be met for the records to be selected.
Applies To
The max function can be used in the following versions of PostgreSQL:
- PostgreSQL 9.4, PostgreSQL 9.3, PostgreSQL 9.2, PostgreSQL 9.1, PostgreSQL 9.0, PostgreSQL 8.4
Example - With Single Expression
Let's look at some PostgreSQL max function examples and explore how to use the max function in PostgreSQL.
For example, you might wish to know how the maximum quantity in inventory.
SELECT max(quantity) AS "Highest Quantity" FROM inventory;
In this max function example, we've aliased the max(quantity) expression as "Highest Quantity". As a result, "Highest Quantity" will display as the field name when the result set is returned.
Example - Using GROUP BY
In some cases, you will be required to use the GROUP BY clause with the max function.
For example, you could also use the max function to return the department and the maximum quantity in the department from inventory.
SELECT department, max(quantity) AS "Highest Quantity" FROM inventory GROUP BY department;
Because you have listed one column in your SELECT statement that is not encapsulated in the max function, you must use a GROUP BY clause. The department field must, therefore, be listed in the GROUP BY section.
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