Laravel SQL Tricks: When and How to Use selectRaw() vs DB::raw() with example

What is DB::raw() in Laravel?

DB::raw() allows you to write raw SQL expressions inside Laravel’s query builder. It’s incredibly flexible and can be used in where(), orderBy(), select(), groupBy(), and more.

DB::table('orders')
    ->select(DB::raw('SUM(total_amount) as total_sales'))
    ->where('status', 'completed')
    ->get();

Best Use: When you need raw SQL anywhere in your query.

What is selectRaw() in Laravel?

selectRaw() is a shortcut for writing raw select statements. Instead of wrapping your SQL with DB::raw(), you can write directly:

DB::table('orders')
    ->selectRaw('SUM(total_amount) as total_sales')
    ->where('status', 'completed')
    ->get();

 Best Use: When your raw SQL is used in the SELECT clause only.

Tips to Use selectRaw() and DB::raw() Effectively

1. Use selectRaw() for clean aggregate functions

User::selectRaw('COUNT(*) as total_users, status')
    ->groupBy('status')
    ->get();

2. Combine raw SQL with conditions

User::where(DB::raw('DATE(created_at)'), '=', now()->toDateString())->get();

3. Use raw expressions for computed columns

Product::selectRaw('price * quantity as total_value')->get();

4. Always validate user inputs if using raw queries

Never inject variables directly without sanitizing. Use bindings:

DB::table('users')
    ->whereRaw('email = ?', [$email])
    ->get();

5. Use selectRaw() with joins for better performance

DB::table('orders')
    ->join('users', 'orders.user_id', '=', 'users.id')
    ->selectRaw('users.name, COUNT(orders.id) as total_orders')
    ->groupBy('users.name')
    ->get();

6. Use aliases (as) for clarity

DB::table('posts')->selectRaw('COUNT(*) as published_count')->get();

7. Cache raw query results if they're expensive

$report = Cache::remember('sales_report', now()->addMinutes(30), function () {
    return DB::table('sales')->selectRaw('SUM(amount) as total')->first();
});

Final Thoughts

Laravel gives you powerful tools like DB::raw() and selectRaw() for building dynamic, raw queries while keeping your code clean and expressive. Mastering them helps you:

• Write complex SQL without raw database connections

• Optimize performance

• Keep queries readable and maintainable