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> Reference material for CAST function

# CAST

Converts data types into other data types based on specified parameters. If the conversion cannot be performed, `CAST` returns an error. To return a `NULL` value instead, use [TRY\_CAST](/reference-sql/functions-reference/conditional-and-miscellaneous/try-cast).

## Syntax

```sql theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark"}}
CAST(<value> AS <type>)
```

## Parameters

| Parameter | Description                                                               | Supported input types |
| :-------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------ | :-------------------- |
| `<value>` | The value to convert or an expression that results in a value to convert. | Any                   |
| `<type>`  | The target [data type](/reference-sql/data-types) (case-insensitive)      | Any                   |

## Return Types

Same data type as `<type>`

## Example

The following example returns `1` as an integer:

```sql theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark"}}
SELECT CAST('1' AS INTEGER) as level;
```

**Returns**: `1`

`CAST` can also be done by writing the format before the object, for example - `SELECT DATE '2022-01-01'` , `SELECT TIMESTAMP '2022-01-01 01:02:03'.`

<Note>
  `CAST` can also be done by using the `::` operator. For more information, see [:: operator for CAST](/reference-sql/lexical-structure/operators#-type-cast).
</Note>