INSERT (Transact‑SQL)

The INSERT statement adds new rows to a table or view in a SQL Server database.

Syntax

INSERT [TOP (expression) [PERCENT]] 
    [INTO] <object> [<column_list>]
    { DEFAULT VALUES | 
      <values_list> | 
      <select_statement> }
    [;]

Parameters

Parameter	Description
`TOP (expression) [PERCENT]`	Limits the number of rows inserted.
`INTO`	Optional keyword that indicates the target table.
`<object>`	Name of the table or view to receive the new rows.
`<column_list>`	Comma‑separated list of columns to receive values. If omitted, values must be supplied for all columns.
`DEFAULT VALUES`	Inserts a row with default values for all columns.
`<values_list>`	One or more `VALUES` clauses that specify the data to insert.
`<select_statement>`	A `SELECT` statement that returns the rows to be inserted.

Examples

Insert a single row using VALUES

INSERT INTO dbo.Products (ProductName, UnitPrice, Discontinued)
VALUES (N'Gadget Pro', 199.99, 0);

Insert multiple rows

INSERT INTO dbo.Employees (FirstName, LastName, HireDate)
VALUES 
    (N'John', N'Doe', '2023-01-15'),
    (N'Jane', N'Smith', '2023-02-20');

Insert rows from a SELECT statement

INSERT INTO dbo.ArchiveOrders (OrderID, CustomerID, OrderDate)
SELECT OrderID, CustomerID, OrderDate
FROM dbo.Orders
WHERE OrderDate < '2022-01-01';

Remarks

When inserting data, ensure column data types match the values provided.
Use IDENTITY_INSERT if you need to provide explicit values for an IDENTITY column.
Transactions can be used to guarantee atomicity for multiple INSERT statements.
For large data loads, consider BULK INSERT or the bcp utility.

INSERT (Transact‑SQL)

Syntax

Parameters

Examples

Insert a single row using VALUES

Insert multiple rows

Insert rows from a SELECT statement

Remarks

Related Topics