ERROR: invalid input syntax for type integer: "abc"
A string couldn’t be converted to the column’s type (integer, numeric, boolean, date…).
Exact message you may see
invalid input syntax for type integerinvalid input syntax for type
Seen on:
PostgreSQL
Meaning
Empty strings, "undefined"/"null" strings from JavaScript, or text in numeric columns. PostgreSQL never treats '' as NULL.
Common causes
- Empty string '' for numeric columns
- "undefined" from a frontend
- Wrong parameter order in queries
⚡ Quick fix
- Send NULL instead of ''
- Validate/parse input before querying
- Check parameter positions
Detailed fix by platform
PostgreSQL
INSERT INTO items (qty) VALUES (NULLIF($1, '')::int);
How to diagnose
- Value — Quoted in the message
- Column — Expected type
🔧 Still not fixed?
Many errors look alike. If the steps above didn’t solve it, one of these is probably what you’re facing:
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Other ways to find it
Where this error sits
Origin: Data. Errors that are often confused with or caused by this one (click to open):
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Last updated 13 Oct 2026