SQL Where Clause

The WHERE clause is used to filter records, generally in combination with the SELECT statement. The WHERE clause is used to request only those records that fulfill a specified query.

SQL WHERE Syntax

SELECT column_name(s)
FROM table_name
WHERE column_name operator value

WHERE Clause Example

SELECT * FROM Customers
WHERE LastName='Smith' 

SELECT * FROM Customers
WHERE CustID=5 

SQL uses single quotes around text values; some versions will allow double quotes.  Numeric values should not be enclosed in quotes. Operators Allowed in the WHERE Clause are as follows:

• = – Equal
• <> – Not equal
• != – Not equal
• > – Greater than
• < – Less than
• >= – Greater than or equal
• <= – Less than or equal
• BETWEEN = – Between an inclusive range
• LIKE = – Search for a pattern
• IN = – If you know the exact value you want to return for at least one of the columns