PostgreSQL 18 reference · Date and Time Functions

PostgreSQL TO_CHAR() Function

Format a date, timestamp or number as text with a pattern such as 'DD Mon YYYY' or 'FM999,990.00'.

PostgreSQL 18

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

Syntax

to_char(value, format)

Parameter	Description
`value`	A timestamp, date, interval or number.
`format`	Date codes: `YYYY` `MM` `DD` `Mon` `Day` `HH24` `MI` `SS`; number codes: `9` digit, `0` forced digit, `.` `,` `FM` (no padding).

Text.

Format dates

SELECT to_char(DATE '2026-03-09', 'DD Mon YYYY') AS uk,
       to_char(TIMESTAMP '2026-03-09 07:45', 'FMDay, HH24:MI') AS weekday_time;

Output

     uk      | weekday_time
-------------+---------------
 09 Mar 2026 | Monday, 07:45
(1 row)

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

Format numbers

SELECT to_char(1234567.891, 'FM9,999,999.00') AS money,
       to_char(7, 'FM000') AS padded;

Output

    money     | padded
--------------+--------
 1,234,567.89 | 007
(1 row)

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

TO_DATE() · Parse text into a date using a format pattern, such as to_date('09/03/2026', 'DD/MM/YYYY').
TO_TIMESTAMP() · Convert Unix epoch seconds to a timestamp with time zone, or parse text into one with a format pattern.
FORMAT() · Build a string from a template: %s inserts text, %I a quoted identifier and %L a quoted literal, for safe dynamic SQL.
SQL Date Functions · tutorial