SQL Puzzles
Solving puzzles is a great way to learn SQL. Nothing beats practicing what you’ve learned.
Once you have figured out the puzzle, post your answer in the comments so we all can learn from one another.
We also discuss puzzle and more in Essential SQL Learning Group on Facebook. Be sure to find us there!
Here are two of my favorite puzzles you should try to solve:
All the examples for this lesson are based on Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio and the sample databases AdventureWorks and WideWorldImporters.
You can get started using these free tools using my guide Getting Started Using SQL Server
Latest Posts
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SQL Puzzle: How to Calculate Moving Averages
In this puzzle, we’re going to learn how to calculate moving averages by working through a hypothetical stock market example. Solving puzzles is a great way to learn SQL. Nothing beats practicing what you’ve learned. Once you have figured out the puzzle, post you answer in the comments so we all can learn from one…
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Data Modeling Principles in Action
In this puzzle, we’re going to learn how to do some basic data modeling. Many of you have expressed an interest in learning more about data modeling and database design. I figure we could start with a simple case study and let it evolve from there. Solving puzzles is a great way to learn SQL. …
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SQL Bill of Materials Example
In this puzzle we’ll explore a SQL bill of materials example. Companies use a BOM (Bill of Materials) to itemize the components and sub assemblies used to construct their products. Solving puzzles is a great way to learn SQL. Nothing beats practicing what you’ve learned. Once you have figured out the puzzle, post you answer…
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SQL Server Hierarchical Query using the hierarchyid type
In this SQL minute we’ll look at how to create a SQL server hierarchical query using the hierarchyid data type. This is a two-part article. In part one you were introduced to the hierarchyid type. In this article we dig deeper into the hierarchyid functions. If you’re studying for the 70-761 exam, you’ll find there aren’t…
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Full Outer Join as Union
In this puzzle, we’re going to learn how to write a SQL UNION without using Set Operations. Set operations allow us to compare rows from two or more tables to arrive at a result. For several classes of problems, it is much easier to use a set operation, than join data. But can we do…
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SQL Set Operators
In this puzzle, we’re going learn to about SQL set operators. Set operators allow us to compare rows from two or more tables to arrive at a result. For several classes of problems, is is much easier to use a set operation, than join data. Solving puzzles is a great way to learn SQL. Nothing…
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Joins vs Subqueries SQL Puzzle
In this puzzle, we’re going to learn about joins vs subqueries. In many queries you can substitute joins and subqueries. Yet, since each has their strengths, it isn’t wise to do so. Once you have worked through this puzzle you see some of the benefits and disadvantages of joins vs subqueries. Solving puzzles is a…
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Rewrite Subquery as a Join
In this puzzle, we’re going to learn how to rewrite a subquery using inner joins. Knowing about a subquery versus inner join can help you with interview questions and performance issues. Though subqueries have unique abilities, there are times when it is better to use other SQL constructs such as joins. By reading this article…
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Use SQL to Calculate Median Values.
In this puzzle we’re going to learn how to find the person whose birthday, among others, is in the middle. Knowing how to calculate the median value is a good skill to have. As you start to explore business intelligence you’ll come across similar problems to solve. Also, be sure to check out the bonus…
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What is a Dynamic Pivot Table?
In this puzzle, we’re going to learn how to create a dynamic pivot table using SQL Server. A dynamic pivot table is a great way to summarize data. And given that Business Intelligence is a hot topic, knowing how to create one is key. By reading this article you’ll learn to create a dynamic pivot…
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Use SQL Server to Create a Cross Tab Query
In this puzzle, we’re going to learn how to create a cross tab query using SQL Server. Cross tabs are a great way to summarize data. And given that Business Intelligence is a hot topic, knowing how to create one is key. We’ll learn to create a cross tab query. Before you read the entire…
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Learn how to Work Joins and Messy Data
In this puzzle, we are going to learn how to join dirty data using the SQL Server. There are many instances that you are forced to use someone else’s data. Since it is their system and data (not yours), then you can’t always fix the inconsistently formatted data before it is in the database. So…
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How to Create A Bar Chart Using SQL Server
We are going to learn how to create a bar chart using SQL server in this puzzle. It can sometimes be fun to see what you can do with the SELECT statement. Besides, I figured it would be fun to see if I could create an “old-fashioned” bar chart — this is much like what we used to…
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How to Find a Gap in a Sequence using SQL SERVER
In this puzzle, we’re going to learn how to find a gap in a sequence using SQL Server. I was recently reviewing my bank statement and noticed they flagged the start of a missing check number with ***’s. I figured with would be a great example for a SQL puzzle as there are many ways…
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SQL Percentile Rank Puzzle
In this puzzle, we’re going with with SQL Percentile Rank to work through a problem to identify the top and bottom student scores. Solving puzzles is a great way to learn SQL. Nothing beats practicing what you’ve learned. SQL Puzzle Question In today’s puzzle assume you’ve been asked by the head of the Mathematics department…