If you are a data scientist or analyst, data formatting in SQL is a crucial skill to know. It helps you present your data in a more readable and user-friendly manner, making it easy for stakeholders to understand. The FORMAT() function in the SQL server helps you customize the appearance of dates, times, numbers, and currency. In this article we will explore the FORMAT function in detail, while exploring its various uses.
If you’re just starting out to explore SQL, here’s a beginner’s guide to help you: SQL For Data Science: A Beginner Guide
The FORMAT() function in SQL helps in converting various types of data into specific string formats. This data could be in the form of dates, times, numbers, or currency. It is particularly useful when you need to present data in a particular format that aligns with regional settings or user preferences.
The basic syntax of the FORMAT() function is as follows:
FORMAT (value, format [, culture])Here,
Note that the format string in the FORMAT() function is case-sensitive. For example, ‘MM’ represents months, while ‘mm’ represents minutes.
Let’s how how we can use the FORMAT() function on the SQL server to format dates, times, numbers, and currencies.
When dealing with dates, the FORMAT function allows you to display dates in various formats.
Here are some examples:
SELECT FORMAT(GETDATE(), 'yyyy-MM-dd') AS FormattedDate;SELECT FORMAT(GETDATE(), 'dddd, MMMM dd, yyyy') AS FormattedDate;Let’s suppose the date is 4th July 2024. The first example would format it as 2024-07-04, while in the second example, it is formatted as Thursday, July 04, 2024.
Formatting time works similarly to dates. Here are some examples:
SELECT FORMAT(GETDATE(), 'HH:mm:ss') AS FormattedTime;SELECT FORMAT(GETDATE(), 'hh:mm tt') AS FormattedTime;Here, the first query formats the time in a 24-hour format, whereas the second one uses a 12-hour format with AM/PM notation. So, if the time is 2:30 in the afternoon, the first format would show it as 14:30:15 while the second format would show it as 02:30 PM.
The FORMAT function is also highly useful for formatting numbers. For instance:
SELECT FORMAT(1234567.89, 'N') AS FormattedNumber;SELECT FORMAT(1234567.89, '0.00') AS FormattedNumber;In the first query, the number is formatted with commas as thousands separators (1,234,567.89). Whereas, in the second query, the number is formatted to two decimal places (1234567.89)
Formatting currency values is another common use of the FORMAT function:
SELECT FORMAT(1234567.89, 'C', 'en-US') AS FormattedCurrency;SELECT FORMAT(1234567.89, 'C', 'fr-FR') AS FormattedCurrency;Here, the first query formats the number as US currency ($1,234,567.89), and the second one formats it as French currency (1 234 567,89 €)
The FORMAT function is immensely practical in various scenarios, such as:
The FORMAT function in SQL is a versatile and powerful tool for data formatting. Whether you’re dealing with dates, times, numbers, or currency, this function helps you present your data in a clear and culturally appropriate manner. By mastering the FORMAT function, you can enhance the readability and professionalism of your data presentations. Moreover, it ensures that everybody you present to, can read and understand your data.
Learn More: SQL: A Full Fledged Guide from Basics to Advanced Level
A. The FORMAT function is supported in SQL Server 2012 and later versions.
A. Yes, the FORMAT function can handle different cultures by specifying the culture parameter.
A. The format string in the FORMAT function is case-sensitive. For example, ‘MM’ represents months, while ‘mm’ represents minutes.
A. No, the FORMAT function is specific to SQL Server. MySQL has its own set of functions for similar purposes.
A. Common mistakes include using incorrect format strings, specifying unsupported cultures, and applying the function to inappropriate data types.
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