This guide is specifically for SQL Server syntax.

How to Join Two Tables in SQL

Combine data from multiple tables using INNER JOIN, LEFT JOIN, or RIGHT JOIN.

Quick Answer

SELECT * FROM table1 INNER JOIN table2 ON table1.id = table2.table1_id;

Explanation

INNER JOIN returns only matching rows. LEFT JOIN keeps all left table rows. RIGHT JOIN keeps all right table rows. Use table aliases for cleaner queries.

Query Variants

Inner Join

SELECT orders.id, customers.name
FROM orders
INNER JOIN customers ON orders.customer_id = customers.id;

Left Join

SELECT customers.name, orders.id
FROM customers
LEFT JOIN orders ON customers.id = orders.customer_id;

Multiple Joins

SELECT o.id, c.name, p.product_name
FROM orders o
JOIN customers c ON o.customer_id = c.id
JOIN products p ON o.product_id = p.id;

Pro Tips

Always specify join conditions with ON
Use table aliases for readability
Consider NULL handling with outer joins

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SQL Server-Specific Notes

This page covers SQL Server syntax. Other databases may have different syntax for similar operations.

SQL Server: How to Join Two Tables in SQL