In PostgreSQL, we can use the - operator to subtract one or more minutes from a time value.

By “time” value, this could be an actual time value, a timestamp, or an interval. We can also subtract minutes from a date value or a date and time combination.

Example

We can specify intervals when performing arithmetic against dates and times. So to subtract one or more minutes, we can use minute or minutes:

SELECT time '07:00' - interval '1 minute';

Result:

06:59:00

Plural

And in plural form:

SELECT time '07:00' - interval '45 minutes';

Result:

06:15:00

Timestamps

And here it is with a timestamp value:

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

Result:

2030-01-20 08:30:00

Intervals

We can also subtract minutes from an interval:

SELECT interval '5 hours' - interval '90 minutes';

Result:

03:30:00

Dates

We can even subtract minutes from a date value:

SELECT date '2030-01-20' - interval '12 minutes';

Result:

2030-01-19 23:48:00

The result is a timestamp value.

Date & Time Values Combined

We can also add a date and time value together, and subtract minutes from that:

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

Result:

2030-01-20 00:42:00

Specified in Seconds

We can alternatively subtract the equivalent number in seconds:

SELECT time '15:45' - interval '120 seconds';

Result:

15:43:00

Specified in Hours

If the minutes to be subtracted are in 60 minute increments, we can alternatively use hours:

SELECT time '15:45' - interval '1 hour';

Result:

14:45:00

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 minutes will be added to the input date/time. But if we use it with the + operator, then it will be subtracted from the input date/time.

Example:

SELECT time '03:00' + interval '-2 minutes';

Result:

02:58:00