Table of Contents
What IFNULL() does
Basic syntax
Common use cases
1. Replace NULL with a default string
2. Handle NULL in numeric fields
3. Clean up concatenated results
Notes and tips
Summary
Home Database Mysql Tutorial How to use IFNULL() in MySQL?

How to use IFNULL() in MySQL?

Aug 22, 2025 pm 02:00 PM
mysql IFNULL()

IFNULL() in MySQL returns the first expression if it is not NULL, otherwise returns the second expression, making it ideal for replacing NULL values with defaults; for example, IFNULL(middle_name, 'N/A') displays 'N/A' when middle_name is NULL, IFNULL(discount, 0) ensures calculations like price - discount remain valid, and using IFNULL in CONCAT prevents entire string results from becoming NULL, though for multiple fallbacks COALESCE() is preferred, and note that IFNULL() is MySQL-specific.

How to use IFNULL() in MySQL?

The IFNULL() function in MySQL is a simple but powerful tool for handling NULL values in your queries. It allows you to substitute a default value whenever a NULL is encountered.

What IFNULL() does

IFNULL(expr1, expr2) takes two arguments:

  • If expr1 is not NULL, it returns expr1.
  • If expr1 is NULL, it returns expr2.

This is particularly useful when you're dealing with incomplete data and want to avoid NULL showing up in results—like in reports, calculations, or application outputs.

Basic syntax

IFNULL(expression_to_check, replacement_value)

Common use cases

1. Replace NULL with a default string

When querying user data, some fields like middle_name might be NULL. You can replace it with a placeholder:

SELECT 
    first_name,
    IFNULL(middle_name, 'N/A') AS middle_name,
    last_name
FROM users;

This shows 'N/A' instead of NULL for missing middle names.

2. Handle NULL in numeric fields

NULL values can break math operations. Use IFNULL() to treat missing numbers as zero:

SELECT 
    product_name,
    price,
    IFNULL(discount, 0) AS discount,
    price - IFNULL(discount, 0) AS final_price
FROM products;

Without IFNULL(), price - discount would return NULL if discount is NULL, even if price is valid.

3. Clean up concatenated results

When concatenating strings, NULL can make the whole result NULL:

SELECT 
    CONCAT(first_name, ' ', IFNULL(middle_name, ''), ' ', last_name) AS full_name
FROM users;

This avoids getting NULL as the full name just because the middle name is missing.

Notes and tips

  • IFNULL() is MySQL-specific. Other databases use different functions (like COALESCE() or ISNULL()).
  • It only checks the first expression. For multiple fallbacks, use COALESCE() instead.
  • The return type depends on the context and argument types—MySQL tries to determine the best fit.

For example, using COALESCE() for more than two options:

COALESCE(phone_home, phone_work, phone_mobile, 'No phone')

This returns the first non-NULL value among the listed columns.

Summary

Use IFNULL() when you want a quick, readable way to substitute a fallback value for NULL in MySQL. It's ideal for cleaning up output, preventing calculation errors, and improving data presentation.

Basically: if the first thing exists, use it; otherwise, use the second. Simple and effective.

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