MySQL MOD() Function

The MOD() function is used to calculate the remainder of one number divided by another.

Syntax

MOD(x, y)

OR

x MOD y

OR

x % y

Definition and Usage

• The MOD() function returns the remainder of dividing x by y.
• It is commonly used in mathematical calculations and logic involving divisors.
• Equivalent to the modulus operator (%).

Parameter Values

Technical Details

• Introduced in: MySQL 4.0
• Return Value: The remainder of x ÷ y.

Examples

Example 1: Simple remainder calculation

SELECT MOD(18, 4) AS Remainder;

Output:

Remainder
---------
2

Example 2: Using x MOD y syntax

SELECT 18 MOD 4 AS Remainder;

Output:

Remainder
---------
2

Example 3: Using % as an alternative

SELECT 18 % 4 AS Remainder;

Output:

Remainder
---------
2

Example 4: Remainder of a negative number

SELECT MOD(-18, 4) AS Remainder;

Output:

Remainder
---------
-2

Example 5: Remainder in a column

Find the remainder when dividing OrderQuantity by 5 in an Orders table:

SELECT OrderID, MOD(OrderQuantity, 5) AS Remainder FROM Orders;

Notes

• If y = 0, the function returns NULL (division by zero is undefined).
• Use the % operator as a shorthand for MOD() in queries.

Related Functions

• DIV: Performs integer division and returns the integer quotient.
• FLOOR(): Returns the largest integer less than or equal to a given number.