How to fix ERR invalid number of arguments for 'get' command in Redis

RedisINTERMEDIATEMEDIUMUpdated Dec 25, 2025· 144 views

This error occurs when a Redis command is called with the wrong number of parameters. The GET command requires exactly one argument (the key), but received a different number. Verify your command syntax and the correct argument count for the specific command.

Quick fix

Fixes ERR invalid number of arguments for 'get' command

GET key
  1. Check the Redis command documentation for correct argument count
  2. Verify your command syntax in redis-cli
  3. Check your application code for syntax errors
  4. Use HELP command to view correct syntax
redis — error
GET key
ERR invalid number of arguments for 'get' command

What this error means

Redis commands have specific signatures requiring exact numbers of arguments. When you call a command with too many or too few arguments, Redis rejects it with an 'invalid number of arguments' error. For example, GET requires exactly one argument (the key name), but calling GET without arguments or GET key1 key2 will fail.

Typical symptoms

  • Commands fail with 'ERR invalid number of arguments' error message
  • Application crashes when executing Redis commands
  • Commands work in redis-cli but fail in your application code
  • Typos or extra spaces in command calls
  • Missing or extra parameters in your command

Common causes

  1. Calling a command with too few arguments (e.g., GET without a key)
  2. Calling a command with too many arguments (e.g., GET key1 key2)
  3. Incorrect command name or typo
  4. Accidentally including extra quotes or spaces in arguments
  5. Using outdated Redis client library that doesn't support new command variants
  6. Confusing similar commands with different argument requirements

How to fix "ERR invalid number of arguments for 'get' command"

1Check the Redis command documentation for correct argument count

Every Redis command has a specific number of required and optional arguments. Visit the official Redis documentation (redis.io/commands) to verify the exact syntax for your command.

Example: GET command syntax is:

bash
GET key

It requires exactly one argument (the key). If you're using a different command, check its documentation.

2Verify your command syntax in redis-cli

Use the redis-cli interactive terminal to test your command. The redis-cli environment shows argument parsing clearly.

bash
# Start redis-cli
redis-cli

# Test the GET command
> GET mykey
(nil)

# This will fail with error
> GET
(error) ERR wrong number of arguments for 'get' command

# This will also fail
> GET key1 key2
(error) ERR wrong number of arguments for 'get' command
3Check your application code for syntax errors

Review how you're calling Redis commands in your code. Common mistakes:

JavaScript/Node.js example:

javascript
// WRONG - missing the key argument
redis.get((err, value) => { });

// CORRECT - include the key
redis.get('mykey', (err, value) => { });

Python example:

python
# WRONG - too many arguments
r.get('key1', 'key2')

# CORRECT - one key argument
r.get('mykey')
4Use HELP command to view correct syntax

In redis-cli, use the HELP command to quickly see the exact syntax for any command:

bash
> HELP GET
  GET key
  summary: Get the value of a key
  since: 1.0.0
  group: string

This shows that GET takes exactly one argument: a key.

5Update your code with correct arguments

Once you've confirmed the correct syntax, update your application code. Make sure:

1. You're passing the correct number of arguments
2. Arguments are in the right order
3. No extra spaces or typos are present
4. You're using the right command name

Example fix:

javascript
// Before (error)
await redis.get();

// After (correct)
await redis.get('username');

Advanced notes

Different Redis commands have different argument requirements (arity). Some commands like MGET or MSET accept variable numbers of arguments (variadic commands), while others like GET require exactly one. Always check the command documentation, especially if you're working with multiple Redis client libraries (redis-py, node-redis, etc.) which may have different APIs. The COMMAND command can also list all commands and their arity: COMMAND INFO GET shows GET has arity 2 (command name + 1 argument).

Frequently asked questions

What does "ERR invalid number of arguments for 'get' command" mean?
Redis commands have specific signatures requiring exact numbers of arguments. When you call a command with too many or too few arguments, Redis rejects it with an 'invalid number of arguments' error. For example, GET requires exactly one argument (the key name), but calling GET without arguments or GET key1 key2 will fail.
How do I fix "ERR invalid number of arguments for 'get' command"?
This error occurs when a Redis command is called with the wrong number of parameters. The GET command requires exactly one argument (the key), but received a different number. Verify your command syntax and the correct argument count for the specific command.
What causes "ERR invalid number of arguments for 'get' command"?
Calling a command with too few arguments (e.g., GET without a key) Calling a command with too many arguments (e.g., GET key1 key2) Incorrect command name or typo
Is the "ERR invalid number of arguments for 'get' command" error serious?
It is a medium-severity error — more of a blocker than a risk. The steps above resolve it.

Official resources & further reading