# Introducing the NUMBER data type

DevFeed: [Introducing the NUMBER data type](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/introducing-the-number-data-type-8772.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://trino.io/blog/2026/03/25/number-data-type.html>)

Author: Piotr Findeisen, Starburst Data

Published: 2026-03-25T00:00:00Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [Trino Blog](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/trino-blog.md>)

Topics: [data](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/data.md>), [SQL](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/sql.md>), [data-architecture](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/data-architecture.md>), [Databases](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/databases.md>), [Oracle Database](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/oracle-database.md>), [PostgreSQL](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/postgresql.md>), [MySQL](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/mysql.md>), [MariaDB](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/mariadb.md>)

Tags: [data](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/data.md>), [database](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/database.md>), [integration](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/integration.md>), [mysql](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/mysql.md>), [oracle](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/oracle.md>), [postgresql](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/postgresql.md>), [sql](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/sql.md>), [types](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/types.md>)

## AI overview

Trino 480 introduces the NUMBER data type, enabling high-precision, variable-scale decimal values beyond the existing 38-digit DECIMAL limit. The feature improves access to numeric data across Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, and SingleStore systems while avoiding skipped columns or lossy rounding.

## Source excerpt

One of Trino's core strengths is breaking down data silos--enabling data engineers to query diverse data sources through a single SQL interface. However, when those sources use high-precision numeric types beyond Trino's 38-digit DECIMAL limit, that promise breaks down. Users faced an impossible choice: skip the columns entirely and lose access to critical data, or accept lossy rounding that compromises data integrity. This challenge required a new approach: a dedicated data type for high-precision, variable-scale decimals.