To_char format

[anju123]

Hi! can anyone help me in finding out the reason behind this cause. When I do
select length(to_char('23456','99999.99')) from dual;

LENGTH(TO_CHAR('23456','99999.99'))
-----------------------------------
9

it returns the length as 9, where as I am specifying the format to be 8 character.

Can anyone tell me what is the reason behind it?
Thanks in advance.

 

[sem]

Because the first position is reserved for a sign. It's empty in case of positive number.

Regards, Dima

http://seminihin.narod.ru

 

[anju123]

Thanks Dima!
its clear to me now.