Limit the number of rows returned, which is useful for large tables and "top 5" lists.
- MySQL, PostgreSQL and SQLite:
LIMIT 5, withOFFSET 10to skip rows (pagination). - SQL Server:
SELECT TOP 5 ... - Oracle / standard SQL:
FETCH FIRST 5 ROWS ONLY
SQL LIMIT / TOP
Return only the first rows.
✍️ 3 exercises + code challenge in this lessonKey Takeaways: SQL LIMIT / TOP
Mastering SQL LIMIT / TOP helps you write clean and reliable SQL code. Follow standard conventions, test edge cases, and keep logic simple. Try running the code example below and complete the exercises to build confidence.
SQL LIMIT / TOP Code Example
SQL-- The 3 most expensive products
SELECT ProductName, Price FROM Products
ORDER BY Price DESC
LIMIT 3;
-- Page 2 of customers, 4 per page
SELECT CustomerID, CustomerName FROM Customers
ORDER BY CustomerID
LIMIT 4 OFFSET 4;
Free sign-in required · Google login available
SQL LIMIT / TOP Practice Exercises
Check what you learned in “SQL LIMIT / TOP”.
/ 3 solved
Fill in the blank
Return only the first 5 rows (MySQL / SQLite).
SELECT * FROM Products 5;
✓ Correct!
Not quite. Try again.
Multiple choice
Which keyword does SQL Server use instead of LIMIT?
✓ Correct!
Not quite. Try again.
Code challenge
Select the 2 cheapest products (ProductName, Price).
Write the code in the live editor. Your answer is checked automatically.
✓ Solved
Free sign-in required · Google login available
to save your exercise progress.
Finished this lesson?
Mark it complete to track your progress.
Stuck on something?
Ask the community in the CodesInTech forum.
Need a developer?
Learning on your own is great — and when you need professional help, our team builds custom software, websites and mobile apps for clients worldwide.
Explore Our Services