DATE_TRUNC in Oracle - Examples & AI Generator

Mastering the DATE_TRUNC function in Oracle can be frustrating—Oracle does not have a direct DATE_TRUNC function like PostgreSQL. Instead, you must use TRUNC(date, format) and remember Oracle-specific syntax. If you’re a SQL developer switching between systems or a data analyst seeking accurate time-based grouping, AI2sql lets you skip the manual lookup and instantly generate Oracle DATE_TRUNC queries—no coding required.

DATE_TRUNC Syntax in Oracle

In Oracle, use the TRUNC function to truncate dates:

TRUNC(date_value, 'format')

Common format options include:

• 'YYYY': Truncate to start of the year

• 'MM': Truncate to first day of the month

• 'DD': Truncate to midnight (remove time)

Note: Unlike other databases, Oracle does not use a separate DATE_TRUNC function, so its syntax differs.

DATE_TRUNC Examples You Can Generate Instantly

1. Monthly Customer Signup Count

SELECT TRUNC(signup_date, 'MM') AS signup_month,
       COUNT(customer_id) AS total_signups
FROM customers
GROUP BY TRUNC(signup_date, 'MM')
ORDER BY signup_month;

2. Yearly Sales Report by Product

SELECT TRUNC(order_date, 'YYYY') AS sales_year,
       product_id,
       SUM(amount) AS yearly_sales
FROM orders
GROUP BY TRUNC(order_date, 'YYYY'), product_id
ORDER BY sales_year, product_id;

3. Daily Inventory Snapshot

SELECT TRUNC(updated_at, 'DD') AS inventory_day,
       product_id,
       SUM(quantity) AS total_quantity
FROM inventory
GROUP BY TRUNC(updated_at, 'DD'), product_id
ORDER BY inventory_day;

Generate DATE_TRUNC queries in 10 seconds with AI2sql—no memorization or manual edits needed.

Why Use AI2sql Instead of Manual DATE_TRUNC Coding

• Instant Oracle-specific syntax: No hunting for truncation formats—get accurate queries tailored for Oracle.

• Zero coding required: Go from natural language to SQL in seconds, ideal for teams with mixed SQL experience.

• 50,000+ users across 80+ countries rely on AI2sql to save time and minimize syntax errors.

• Consistent results across all databases—no need to learn every flavor of DATE_TRUNC.

Want to try it yourself? Try AI2sql Generator or Learn DATE_TRUNC for more hands-on guidance.

FAQ: DATE_TRUNC in Oracle

Does Oracle support the DATE_TRUNC function natively?

No, use the TRUNC(date, format) function for similar results.

What's the difference between TRUNC and ROUND with dates?

TRUNC removes time or rounds down to the specified unit, while ROUND rounds to the nearest unit (e.g., month, year).

Can I use DATE_TRUNC on timestamps in Oracle?

Yes, TRUNC can be used on DATE, TIMESTAMP, and TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE types in Oracle.

Ready to automate your DATE_TRUNC logic? Generate Your First Query Now with AI2sql and experience instant Oracle SQL generation in 10 seconds.