PostgreSQL 18 reference · String Functions

PostgreSQL LTRIM() Function

Remove spaces, or characters you list, from the start of a string only.

PostgreSQL 18

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Syntax

ltrim(string, characters)

Parameter	Description
`string`	The input text.
`characters` optional	Characters to remove; spaces by default.

Text.

Leading spaces

SELECT '[' || ltrim('   left') || ']' AS result;

Output

 result
--------
 [left]
(1 row)

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Leading characters

SELECT ltrim('xxyHello', 'xy') AS result;

Output

 result
--------
 Hello
(1 row)

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

TRIM() · Remove spaces, or characters you list, from the start, end or both ends of a string. btrim() is the function form.
RTRIM() · Remove spaces, or any characters you list, from the end (right side) of a string only.
SQL String Functions · tutorial