Cast syntax to convert a sum to float

Question

Using PostgreSQL 9.3, I want to convert the calculated values to data type float.

My first attempt:

SELECT float(SUM(Seconds))/-1323 AS Averag; 

Gives me this error:

syntax error at or near "SUM" 

My second attempt:

SELECT to_float(SUM(Seconds))/-1323 AS Averag; 

Gives me this error:

 function to_float(bigint) does not exist 

Answer 1

I use the shorthand cast syntax almost everywhere:

SELECT sum(seconds)::float / -1323 AS averag;

More details:

• Postgres data type cast