Fix Ora-06502 PL/SQL Numeric or Value Error: Character String Buffer Too Small

PL/SQL, Oracle’s procedural extension to SQL, allows developers to create powerful and systematic database applications. However, dealing with errors is a certain part of software development. One such error, Ora-06502, pertains to character string buffer sizes. Let’s dive into the details.

How To Fix Ora-06502 PL/SQL Numeric or Value Error

Here are some solutions suggested by users on Stackoverflow that will help you resolve this error.

1. Use VARCHAR2 Instead of CHAR

• Avoid using the CHAR data type, which is fixed-length and consumes as much space as possible.
• Instead, opt for VARCHAR2, one that dynamically adjusts its size based on the content.
• For example:

2. Using CHAR Data Type

• The CHAR data type is fixed-length and consumes as much space as possible. When concatenating strings, it can lead to buffer overflow.
• Example:

3. Check CSV Files

if you experience this error while processing CSV files, Make sure that there are no faulty or accidental equations (e.g., cells starting with an equals sign =) in the file. Removing such equations can solve the issue.

4. Check Data Conversions

• Make sure that data conversions are handled correctly. Use TO_NUMBER or ASCII as needed.
• Example:

Read: Fix “Error Constructing Handler for Request of Type MediatR.IRequestHandler”