PostgreSQL 18 reference · String Functions

PostgreSQL TRIM() Function

Remove spaces, or characters you list, from the start, end or both ends of a string. btrim() is the function form.

PostgreSQL 18

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Syntax

trim([LEADING | TRAILING | BOTH] [characters] FROM string)  |  btrim(string, characters)

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

Text.

Remove spaces

SELECT '[' || trim('   hello   ') || ']' AS trimmed;

Output

 trimmed
---------
 [hello]
(1 row)

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

Other characters, one side

SELECT trim(BOTH '-=' FROM '--==Title==--') AS title,
       trim(LEADING '0' FROM '000420') AS number_text;

Output

 title | number_text
-------+-------------
 Title | 420
(1 row)

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

LTRIM() · Remove spaces, or characters you list, from the start of a string only.
RTRIM() · Remove spaces, or any characters you list, from the end (right side) of a string only.
SQL String Functions · tutorial