Laravel selectRaw(): Advanced Query Builder Tips with Real Examples

If you're building reports, dashboards, or analytics tools using Laravel, chances are you'll need custom SQL expressions within your queries. That’s where selectRaw() comes in.

What is selectRaw() in Laravel?

Laravel’s selectRaw() allows you to write raw SQL expressions in the select clause of the Query Builder. It’s ideal when default Eloquent methods aren’t flexible enough — like when using aggregate functions, conditional logic, or custom column expressions.

Syntax:

Model::selectRaw('SQL_EXPRESSION')->get();

💡 Why Use selectRaw()?

• Perform complex calculations in your queries.

• Generate custom columns (like full names, status labels, or formatted fields).

• Combine aggregation and grouping logic.

• Avoid post-processing in PHP — keep it in SQL!

✅ Laravel selectRaw() Examples

1. Create a Full Name Column

$users = DB::table('users')
	->selectRaw("CONCAT(first_name, ' ', last_name) AS full_name")
    ->get();

SEO keyword: Laravel selectRaw concat example

2. Calculate Total Sales per Month

$sales = DB::table('orders')
    ->selectRaw('MONTH(created_at) as month, SUM(amount) as total_sales')
    ->groupBy('month')
    ->get();

Use this in admin dashboards or financial reports.

SEO keyword: Laravel selectRaw with groupBy example

3. Conditional Count with CASE WHEN

$activeUsers = DB::table('users')
    ->selectRaw("COUNT(CASE WHEN status = 'active' THEN 1 END) as active_user_count")
    ->get();

SEO keyword: Laravel selectRaw case when example

4. Formatted Date Column

$posts = DB::table('posts')
    ->selectRaw("DATE_FORMAT(created_at, '%M %Y') as post_month")
    ->get();

Useful for grouping blog posts or reports by month.

SEO keyword: Laravel selectRaw date format

Tips to Use selectRaw() Safely

• ✅ Always validate dynamic input before passing it into raw SQL.

• ✅ Use bindings or query parameters when dealing with user data.

• ⚠️ Avoid using selectRaw() for simple queries — it adds complexity.

Real-World Use Cases

1. Admin dashboards: Monthly revenue, top-selling products

2. Reports: Aggregated user data, category-wise breakdowns

3. Analytics: Custom KPIs and metrics without multiple DB calls

Final Thoughts

Laravel’s selectRaw() is a hidden gem that can supercharge your Query Builder — especially when you're building data-heavy Laravel apps or admin panels.

Add it to your toolkit and say goodbye to unnecessary loops and post-processing!