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Home Interviews What is the difference between CHAR(n) and VARCHAR(n) in SQL? – MindStick
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1 Answers

ICSM Computer
ICSM Computer 19 Aug 2025
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Note:

  • Use CHAR when values are fixed size → faster for retrieval.
  • Use VARCHAR when values vary in length → saves space.

CHAR(n)

  • Fixed-length string.
  • Always reserves exactly n bytes, regardless of the actual string length.
  • If the value is shorter, it is padded with spaces to reach the defined length.
  • Best used when all values are of the same or near-same length (e.g., country codes, gender).
CREATE TABLE TestChar (Code CHAR(5));

INSERT INTO TestChar VALUES ('ABC');
SELECT Code, DATALENGTH(Code) AS BytesUsed FROM TestChar;
  • Stored as 'ABC ' (with 2 trailing spaces).
  • BytesUsed = 5.

VARCHAR(n)

  • Variable-length string.
  • Stores only the actual characters entered + 1 or 2 bytes overhead for length storage.
  • More space-efficient when string lengths vary.
CREATE TABLE TestVarchar (Code VARCHAR(5));

INSERT INTO TestVarchar VALUES ('ABC');
SELECT Code, DATALENGTH(Code) AS BytesUsed FROM TestVarchar;
  • Stored as 'ABC' (no padding).
  • BytesUsed = 3.
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