In PostgreSQL, we can use the + operator to add one or more seconds to a time value.

By “time” value, this could be an actual time value, a timestamp, or an interval. We can also add seconds to a date value or a date and time combination.

Example

We can specify intervals when adding to dates and times. So to add one or more seconds, we can use second or seconds:

SELECT time '07:00' + interval '1 second';

Result:

07:00:01

Plural

And in plural form:

SELECT time '07:00' + interval '45 seconds';

Result:

07:00:45

Timestamps

And here it is with a timestamp value:

SELECT timestamp '2030-01-20 09:00' + interval '30 seconds';

Result:

2030-01-20 09:00:30

Intervals

We can also add seconds to an interval:

SELECT interval '5 minutes' + interval '90 seconds';

Result:

00:06:30

Dates

We can even add seconds to a date value:

SELECT date '2030-01-20' + interval '12 seconds';

Result:

2030-01-20 00:00:12

The result is a timestamp value.

Date & Time Values Combined

We can also add a date and time value together, and add seconds to that:

SELECT date '2030-01-20' + time '01:00' + interval '18 seconds';

Result:

2030-01-20 01:00:18

Specified in Minutes

If the seconds to be added are in 60 second increments, we can alternatively use minutes:

SELECT time '15:45' + interval '1 minute';

Result:

15:46:00

Negative Values

It’s possible to perform date arithmetic with negative values. If we use a negative value with the + operator, then the specified number of seconds will be subtracted from the input date/time. But if we use it with the - operator, then it will be added to the input date/time.

Example:

SELECT time '03:00' - interval '-2 seconds';

Result:

03:00:02