Database Error Messages

ORA-12899

value too large for column string (actual: string, maximum: string)
  • column name: The target column name.
  • actual size: The actual size of input data.
  • maximum size: The maximum size of input data.

Cause

An attempt is being made to insert or update a column with a value that is too wide for the width of the destination column. Note that widths are reported in characters if character length semantics are in effect for the column, otherwise widths are reported in bytes. Also, when the actual value is the same as the maximum, there isn't enough space for the entire converted value. The actual is the amount placed in the output buffer, but there is more to be stored.


Action

Examine the SQL statement for accuracy. Check the source and destination column data types. Either make the destination column wider, or use a subset of the source column (that is, use substring).