SQL RANK Function
Quick summary: The SQL RANK() function ranks rows within a partition, allowing ties.
SQL RANK Syntax
RANK() OVER ( [PARTITION BY column] ORDER BY column )SQL
SQL RANK Basic examples
SELECT score, RANK() OVER (ORDER BY score DESC) FROM results;SQL
Output:
Ranks with gapsEqual values receive the same rank.
SQL RANK Real-world usage
SELECT user_id, RANK() OVER (ORDER BY SUM(total) DESC) FROM orders GROUP BY user_id;SQL
Output:
Revenue rankingRanks users by aggregated totals.
SQL RANK Edge cases
SELECT RANK() OVER (ORDER BY NULL) FROM users;SQL
Output:
All rows rank 1No ordering means identical rank.
SQL RANK Common mistakes
Expecting consecutive ranks
RANK creates gaps after ties.
Incorrect
RANK()Correct
DENSE_RANK()Use DENSE_RANK for consecutive values.
SQL RANK Frequently Asked Questions
What does RANK() do in SQL?
Assigns rank with gaps for ties.
Use case of RANK()?
Ranking with duplicates.
Syntax?
RANK() OVER (ORDER BY column).
Difference from ROW_NUMBER()?
RANK allows ties.
Handles duplicates?
Same rank for equal values.
Gaps in ranking?
Yes.
Common mistake?
Expecting continuous numbers.
Used with PARTITION BY?
Yes.
Return type?
Integer.
Performance?
Moderate.
Used in leaderboards?
Yes.
Best practice?
Use when ties matter.