Retrieve Single Primitive Values Directly with DB::scalar()

Use DB::scalar() to execute raw SQL queries that return a single scalar value without array wrapping.

When running aggregate SQL functions, database version checks, or single-value calculations (such as SELECT count(*) or SELECT current_timestamp), DB::select() returns an array of objects ($result[0]->count).

DB::scalar() extracts and returns the single primitive value directly.

Querying Scalar Values

use Illuminate\Support\Facades\DB;

// Returns integer count directly: 42
$count = DB::scalar('SELECT count(*) FROM users WHERE is_active = 1');

// Returns string version directly: "8.0.36"
$version = DB::scalar('SELECT version()');

// Returns boolean or timestamp directly
$databaseTime = DB::scalar('SELECT NOW()');

Parameter Bindings

DB::scalar() supports parameter bindings for SQL injection protection:

$totalRevenue = DB::scalar(
    'SELECT SUM(total) FROM orders WHERE status = ? AND created_at >= ?',
    ['completed', now()->startOfYear()]
);

Summary

• Returns single primitive values (int, string, float, bool) directly.
• Eliminates manual $result[0]->column array extraction boilerplate.
• Fully supports prepared parameter bindings.