Char vs. Varchar — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 23, 2023
Char is a fixed-length data type; Varchar is variable-length. Both store alphanumeric characters in databases.
Difference Between Char and Varchar
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Char and Varchar are both data types used in databases to store alphanumeric characters, but they handle space allocation differently. Char stands for "character" and it's a fixed-length data type. This means that when you define a Char column with a specified length, it will always use the same amount of storage space, regardless of the actual length of the data stored.
On the other hand, Varchar stands for "variable character." As the name suggests, it's a variable-length data type. Varchar columns only use up as much storage space as the actual data entered, plus some additional space for overhead. Unlike Char, Varchar doesn't reserve a fixed amount of storage for each entry.
This difference in space allocation has implications for performance and storage efficiency. If you know the exact length of data in advance, using Char can be more efficient because the database knows how much space to expect and can optimize accordingly. However, if the length of the data varies considerably, Varchar would be a better choice as it can save storage space by not reserving unnecessary extra space.
Another distinction lies in trailing spaces. For Char, if the stored value is shorter than the specified length, the system pads it with trailing spaces. Varchar does not pad values with spaces. Thus, while retrieving values, a Char might appear to have trailing spaces, whereas Varchar will not.
Comparison Chart
Length
Fixed
Variable
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Storage Efficiency
Can waste space with unused characters
Uses only required space
Trailing Spaces
Pads values with trailing spaces if shorter than defined length
Does not pad values
Use Case
When data length is consistent
When data length varies widely
Example Data Type Declaration
CHAR(10) would allocate space for 10 characters, always
VARCHAR(10) would allocate space up to 10 characters, as needed
Compare with Definitions
Char
Allocates consistent storage space.
Regardless of the content, a Char(5) always occupies space for 5 characters.
Varchar
A variable-length database data type.
The comments column might be defined as Varchar(255).
Char
Can be padded with trailing spaces.
If AB is stored in Char(4), it's saved as AB .
Varchar
Allocates storage based on actual data length.
A Varchar(5) with data AB only uses space for AB.
Char
Optimal for data with predictable length.
Char is ideal for storing gender as M or F.
Varchar
Does not pad with trailing spaces.
Data AB in Varchar(4) remains AB without added spaces.
Char
Represents a single character in some programming languages.
In C, a char can hold values like 'a' or '1'.
Varchar
Suitable for data with varying length.
Varchar is used for names since lengths differ widely.
Char
Char is the solid material that remains after light gases (e.g. coal gas) and tar have been driven out or released from a carbonaceous material during the initial stage of combustion, which is known as carbonization, charring, devolatilization or pyrolysis.
Varchar
Efficient for unpredictable, variable data.
Storing user reviews is best with Varchar due to diverse lengths.
Char
To burn the surface of; scorch.
Varchar
A varchar or variable character field is a set of character data of indeterminate length. The term varchar refers to a data type of a field (or column) in a database management system which can hold letters and numbers.
Char
To reduce to carbon or charcoal by incomplete combustion. ]
Varchar
A text field of indeterminate length in a database, as opposed to the traditional fixed-length field.
Char
To work as a charwoman.
Char
Any of several salmonid fishes of the genus Salvelinus, usually having a dark body with light spots, and including the arctic char, the brook trout, and the lake trout.
Char
A charwoman.
Char
(ergative) To burn something to charcoal.
Char
To burn slightly or superficially so as to affect colour.
Char
(obsolete) To turn, especially away or aside.
Char
To work, especially to do housework; to work by the day, without being a regularly hired servant.
Char
(obsolete) To perform; to do; to finish.
Char
To work or hew (stone, etc.)
Char
A charred substance.
Char
Any of the several species of fishes of the genus Salvelinus.
Among other native delicacies, they give you fresh char.
Char
(obsolete) A time; a turn or occasion.
Char
(obsolete) A turn of work; a labour or item of business.
Char
An odd job, a chore or piece of housework.
Char
A charlady, a woman employed to do housework; cleaning lady.
I had to scrub the kitchen today, because the char couldn't come.
Char
A character (text element such as a letter or symbol).
Char
|passage=When a 32-bit int value is stored to a 16-bit char variable, information can be lost if the 16 most significant bits are not zeroes in the int value.}}
Char
(British) cha (tea)
Char
One of the several species of fishes of the genus Salvelinus, allied to the spotted trout and salmon, inhabiting deep lakes in mountainous regions in Europe. In the United States, the brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) is sometimes called a char.
Char
A car; a chariot.
Char
Work done by the day; a single job, or task; a chore.
When thou hast done this chare, I give thee leaveTo play till doomsday.
Char
To perform; to do; to finish.
Thet char is chared, as the good wife said when she had hanged her husband.
Char
To work or hew, as stone.
Char
To work by the day, without being a regularly hired servant; to do small jobs.
Char
To reduce to coal or carbon by exposure to heat; to reduce to charcoal; to burn to a cinder.
Char
To burn slightly or partially; as, to char wood.
Char
A charred substance
Char
A human female who does housework;
The char will clean the carpet
Char
Any of several small-scaled trout
Char
Burn to charcoal;
Without a drenching rain, the forest fire will char everything
Char
Burn slightly and superficially so as to affect color;
The cook blackened the chicken breast
The fire charred the ceiling above the mantelpiece
The flames scorched the ceiling
Char
A fixed-length database data type.
The column for state abbreviations is defined as Char(2).
Common Curiosities
What is Char?
Char is a fixed-length data type used in databases.
Do Char values have trailing spaces?
Yes, Char values are padded with trailing spaces if shorter than the specified length.
Does Varchar pad values with spaces?
No, Varchar does not pad values with trailing spaces.
How do Char and Varchar differ in performance?
Char can be faster due to predictability, but Varchar can be efficient with varied data.
In which programming languages are Char and Varchar used?
They are primarily used in SQL, but similar concepts exist in other languages.
Is Char or Varchar more efficient for storage?
It depends; Char can be efficient for consistent lengths, while Varchar is efficient for varied lengths.
Why might Char values appear longer than stored data?
Char values are padded with trailing spaces if shorter than the defined length.
What is Varchar?
Varchar is a variable-length data type used in databases.
Does Char always use the same storage space?
Yes, Char allocates a fixed amount of space based on its defined length.
How does Varchar save storage space?
Varchar only uses as much space as the actual data length requires.
When should I use Char over Varchar?
Use Char when the data length is predictable and consistent.
Can I convert Char to Varchar in a database?
Yes, but consult database documentation for specifics.
What happens if my data exceeds the Varchar limit?
An error occurs; data must fit within the defined limit.
Is Char the same in databases as in programming languages?
Not always. In some languages, Char represents a single character.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
