PostgreSQL 18 reference · Array Functions

PostgreSQL ARRAY_SORT() Function

Return a copy of an array with its elements sorted, ascending by default. Added in PostgreSQL 18.

PostgreSQL 18 Since 18

Create a free account to save this page, take notes and track your progress. Sign in

Syntax

array_sort(array, descending, nulls_first)

Parameter	Description
`array`	An array value.
`descending` optional	Sort in reverse order. Default: `false`
`nulls_first` optional	Put NULLs first.

A sorted array.

Sort an array

SELECT array_sort(ARRAY[3, 1, 2]) AS asc_order, array_sort(ARRAY[3, 1, 2], true) AS desc_order;

Output

 asc_order | desc_order
-----------+------------
 {1,2,3}   | {3,2,1}
(1 row)

Run this on your computer — see “Get Started” for setup.

Text uses the collation

SELECT array_sort(ARRAY['pear', 'Apple', 'fig']) AS words;

Output

      words
------------------
 {Apple,fig,pear}
(1 row)

Run this on your computer — see “Get Started” for setup.

Version	Change
PostgreSQL 18	Added

ARRAY_REVERSE() · Return a copy of an array with its elements in reverse order. Added in PostgreSQL 18.
ARRAY_AGG() · Collect a group's values, including NULLs, into an array, optionally in a given order.
SQL String Functions · tutorial