MySQL SUBTIME() Function

The SUBTIME() function in MySQL subtracts a time interval from a datetime or time value. This is useful for calculating past times or for adjusting timestamps.

SUBTIME(): Definition and Usage

SUBTIME() takes a datetime or time value and a time interval as input. It returns a new datetime or time value after subtracting the interval. You can add time by using a negative value for the time interval. The input time should be in 'HH:MM:SS' or 'HH:MM:SS.mmmmmm' format.

Syntax


SUBTIME(datetime, time_interval)

Parameter Values

Parameter	Description
`datetime`	The original datetime or time value. This is required.
`time_interval`	The time interval to subtract (positive) or add (negative). This is required. The format is HH:MM:SS or HH:MM:SS.mmmmmm.

Examples

Subtracting Seconds

Subtracting 5.000001 seconds from a datetime value.

Syntax


SELECT SUBTIME("2017-06-15 10:24:21.000004", "5.000001");

Output


2017-06-15 10:24:15.000003

Subtracting Hours, Minutes, and Seconds

Subtracting a more complex time interval.

Syntax


SELECT SUBTIME("2017-06-15 10:24:21.000004", "3:2:5.000001");

Output


2017-06-15 07:22:16.000003

Subtracting Seconds from a TIME Value

Subtracting seconds from a time value (only the time part).

Syntax


SELECT SUBTIME("10:24:21", "5");

Output


10:24:16

Subtracting Minutes (as seconds) from a TIME Value

Subtracting 3 minutes (180 seconds) from a time value.

Syntax


SELECT SUBTIME("10:24:21", "180");

Output


10:21:01

Adding a Time Interval

Adding 3 hours, 2 minutes, and 5 seconds to a time value (using a negative interval).

Syntax


SELECT SUBTIME("10:24:21", "-3:2:5");

Output


13:26:26