SQL Server LEN() Function

The LEN() function in SQL Server determines the length of a string. It's a simple yet essential function for string manipulation and data validation.

LEN(): Definition and Usage

LEN() counts the number of characters in a string. It's important to note that trailing spaces (spaces at the end of the string) are *not* included in the count, but leading spaces (spaces at the beginning) are.

Related Function

The DATALENGTH() function returns the length of a string in bytes, which can be different from the character count if you're using multi-byte character sets.

Syntax


LEN(string)

Parameter Values

Parameter	Description
`string`	The string whose length you want to determine. If the input string is `NULL`, `LEN()` will return `NULL`. This is required.

Examples

Finding the Length of a String

This example finds the length of the string 'W3Schools.com'.

Syntax


SELECT LEN('W3Schools.com');

Output

Finding the Length of a String with Leading and Trailing Spaces

This example shows that leading spaces are included but trailing spaces are not.

Syntax


SELECT LEN(' W3Schools.com ');

Output

Finding the Length of a Different String

Another example with a different string.

Syntax


SELECT LEN('2017-08');