MySQL DATE_SUB() Function

The DATE_SUB() function in MySQL is used to subtract a specified time interval from a date value. This is extremely helpful for calculating past dates or for data analysis involving time periods.

DATE_SUB(): Definition and Usage

This function allows you to easily adjust dates backward by subtracting various time units, such as days, months, years, hours, minutes, and seconds. It's a flexible tool for working with temporal data.

Syntax

Syntax

DATE_SUB(date, INTERVAL value unit)

Parameter Values

Parameter Description
date The starting date or datetime value. This is required.
value The numerical value representing the amount of the time interval to subtract. Positive values subtract, negative values add. This is required.
unit The unit of the time interval. Options:
  • MICROSECOND
  • SECOND
  • MINUTE
  • HOUR
  • DAY
  • WEEK
  • MONTH
  • QUARTER
  • YEAR
  • SECOND_MICROSECOND
  • MINUTE_MICROSECOND
  • MINUTE_SECOND
  • HOUR_MICROSECOND
  • HOUR_SECOND
  • HOUR_MINUTE
  • DAY_MICROSECOND
  • DAY_SECOND
  • DAY_MINUTE
  • DAY_HOUR
  • YEAR_MONTH
This is required.

Examples

Subtracting Days

Subtracting 10 days from June 15th, 2017.

Syntax

SELECT DATE_SUB("2017-06-15", INTERVAL 10 DAY);
Output

2017-06-05

Subtracting Minutes

Subtracting 15 minutes from a datetime value.

Syntax

SELECT DATE_SUB("2017-06-15 09:34:21", INTERVAL 15 MINUTE);
Output

2017-06-15 09:19:21

Subtracting Hours

Subtracting 3 hours from a datetime value.

Syntax

SELECT DATE_SUB("2017-06-15 09:34:21", INTERVAL 3 HOUR);
Output

2017-06-15 06:34:21

Adding Months (using negative interval)

Adding 2 months to a date (by subtracting a negative interval).

Syntax

SELECT DATE_SUB("2017-06-15", INTERVAL -2 MONTH);
Output

2017-08-15