Get the DB to tell you the maximum length of the field. Assuming a well-trimmed varchar field called 'reason':

select max( len( reason ) ) from table;

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If the field is fixed length or can having space padding, then you'd need to trim them up. The functions for that tend to vary from DB to DB.

With the rise and rise of 'Social' network sites: 'Computers are making people easier to use everyday'
Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.
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The start of some sanity?

In reply to Re: Getting length of longest value in a column by BrowserUk
in thread Getting length of longest value in a column by Qukz

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