How to Use @> Operator in PostgreSQL: Syntax and Examples

In PostgreSQL, the @> operator checks if the left JSON or array contains the right JSON or array. It returns true if all elements or key-value pairs on the right exist inside the left operand. This operator is commonly used with JSONB and array data types for containment queries.

Syntax

The @> operator tests if the left JSONB or array contains the right JSONB or array. It returns a boolean true or false.

• Left operand: JSONB or array value to search within.
• Right operand: JSONB or array value to check for containment.

sql

left_operand @> right_operand

Example

This example shows how to use @> with JSONB and arrays to check if one contains the other.

sql

SELECT '{"name": "Alice", "age": 30, "skills": ["SQL", "Python"]}'::jsonb @> '{"age": 30}'::jsonb AS contains_age;

SELECT ARRAY[1, 2, 3, 4] @> ARRAY[2, 3] AS array_contains;

Output

 contains_age 
--------------
 t
(1 row)

 array_contains 
----------------
 t
(1 row)

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when using @> include:

• Using it on json type instead of jsonb. The operator only works with jsonb.
• Confusing the order: left @> right means left contains right, not the other way around.
• Trying to check partial matches on arrays without exact elements.

sql

/* Wrong: using json type */
SELECT '{"a":1}'::json @> '{"a":1}'::json;

/* Right: use jsonb type */
SELECT '{"a":1}'::jsonb @> '{"a":1}'::jsonb;

Output

ERROR: operator does not exist: json @> json
LINE 1: SELECT '{"a":1}'::json @> '{"a":1}'::json;
               ^

 contains 
----------
 t
(1 row)

Quick Reference

Operator	Description	Supported Types
@>	Checks if left JSONB or array contains right JSONB or array	jsonb, array
<@	Checks if left JSONB or array is contained by right JSONB or array	jsonb, array

Key Takeaways

The @> operator checks if the left JSONB or array contains the right JSONB or array.

Use @> only with jsonb or array data types, not with json.

The operator returns true if all elements or key-value pairs on the right exist in the left operand.

Remember the order: left @> right means left contains right, not vice versa.

Use @> for efficient containment queries in PostgreSQL.