# RPAD

## Syntax

```sql
RPAD(str, len [, padstr])
```

## Description

Returns the string `str`, right-padded with the string `padstr` to a length of `len` characters. If `str` is longer than `len`, the return value is shortened to `len` characters. If `padstr` is omitted, the RPAD function pads spaces.

Returns `NULL` if given a `NULL` argument. If the result is empty (a length of zero), returns either an empty string, or, with [SQL\_MODE=Oracle](https://app.gitbook.com/s/aEnK0ZXmUbJzqQrTjFyb/community-server/about/compatibility-and-differences/sql_modeoracle), `NULL`.

The Oracle mode version of the function can be accessed outside of Oracle mode by using `RPAD_ORACLE` as the function name.

## Examples

```sql
SELECT RPAD('hello',10,'.');
+----------------------+
| RPAD('hello',10,'.') |
+----------------------+
| hello.....           |
+----------------------+

SELECT RPAD('hello',2,'.');
+---------------------+
| RPAD('hello',2,'.') |
+---------------------+
| he                  |
+---------------------+
```

With the pad string defaulting to space:

```sql
SELECT RPAD('hello',30);
+--------------------------------+
| RPAD('hello',30)               |
+--------------------------------+
| hello                          |
+--------------------------------+
```

Oracle mode:

```sql
SELECT RPAD('',0),RPAD_ORACLE('',0);
+------------+-------------------+
| RPAD('',0) | RPAD_ORACLE('',0) |
+------------+-------------------+
|            | NULL              |
+------------+-------------------+
```

## See Also

* [LPAD](https://mariadb.com/docs/server/reference/sql-functions/string-functions/lpad) - Left-padding instead of right-padding.

<sub>*This page is licensed: GPLv2, originally from*</sub> [<sub>*fill\_help\_tables.sql*</sub>](https://github.com/MariaDB/server/blob/main/scripts/fill_help_tables.sql)

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