PostgreSQL Max() Function: The 2 Methods

By Brian Laleye · October 17, 2022 · 5 min read

Difficulty Level : Basic

In this article, we will discuss how to use the PostgreSQL Max() Function.

This function is a built-in operation.

Let’s dive into why this function exists and how to use it in both Code & No Code.

Summary

What is the PostgreSQL Max() Function?

PostgreSQL MAX() function is an aggregate function that returns the maximum value in a given set of values.

Case 1: PostgreSQL MAX() function without any clause

It returns the highest value in the selected column.

Syntax

				
					SELECT Max(Column_A)
FROM Table_1

Case 2: PostgreSQL MAX() function with multiple columns

It returns the highest value in the selected columns with a view by rows.

Syntax

				
					SELECT Max(Column_A, Column_B)
FROM Table_1

Case 3: PostgreSQL MAX() function with Group By

The following code will demonstrate the maximum value from the “name” column and group the results by Column B.

Syntax

				
					SELECT Max(Column_A) as Column_A, Column_B
FROM Table_1
Group by Column_B

How to Use PostgreSQL Max() Function: The Hard Way With Code

Dataset

Let’s take a look at the following Facebook Public Sample Dataset (available to use for free).

Case 1: PostgreSQL MAX() function without any clause

Example

Input

				
					SELECT Max (Clicks)
FROM Facebook_Datasets

Output

Case 2: PostgreSQL MAX() function with multiple columns

Example

Input

				
					SELECT Max (Clicks, Reach, Reactions)
FROM Facebook_Datasets

Output

Case 3: PostgreSQL MAX() function with Group By

The following example will demonstrate the maximum value from the “name” column and group the results by Gender(Male/Female).

Example

Input

				
					SELECT Max (Clicks) as Clicks, Type
FROM Facebook_Datasets
Group By Type

Output

				
					Link | 2899
Video | 7391
Photo | 10299

How to use PostgreSQL Max() Function: The Easy Way Without Coding

Syntax in RestApp:

Prerequisite:

It is required to have your data type in numeric format for Max() operation to function. If not sure about the format of your columns, you can use the cast() function.

Dataset

Let’s take a look at the following Facebook Public Sample Dataset (available to use for free).

Case 1: PostgreSQL MAX() function with Multiple Columns

Example

Beforehand, we need to Cast() the columns on which Max() Function will be operated: “Reach” and “Clicks”:

Input

Output

Case 2: PostgreSQL MAX() function with Group By

Syntax

Example

Input

Output

Conclusion

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