CHARINDEX in SQL Server - Examples & AI Generator

Understanding CHARINDEX in SQL Server can be a challenge, especially with syntax variations across databases and edge cases like case sensitivity or optional parameters. CHARINDEX helps you find the starting position of a substring in a string, but memorizing the syntax slows you down—especially when working across multiple SQL dialects. AI2sql streamlines this process by instantly generating accurate CHARINDEX queries with no coding required, saving time and reducing errors.

CHARINDEX Syntax in SQL Server

Function Signature

CHARINDEX ( expressionToFind, expressionToSearch [ , start_location ] )

• expressionToFind: Substring you want to search for.

• expressionToSearch: String to search within.

• start_location (optional): Start searching from this character position.

SQL Server-Specific Notes

• Position is 1-based (first character is position 1).

• Returns 0 if substring not found.

CHARINDEX Examples You Can Generate Instantly

Find the Position of a Customer's Country in the Address

SELECT CustomerName, CHARINDEX('USA', Address) AS CountryPos
FROM Customers;

Locate the Dash in Product Codes

SELECT ProductID, ProductCode, CHARINDEX('-', ProductCode) AS DashPos
FROM Products;

Search for 'Express' in Order Comments Starting from Position 15

SELECT OrderID, CHARINDEX('Express', Comments, 15) AS ExpressPos
FROM Orders;

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• Instant generation: Skip memorizing SQL Server CHARINDEX syntax for every use case.

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FAQ: CHARINDEX in SQL Server

What does CHARINDEX return if the substring isn't found?

It returns 0 if the substring does not exist in the searched string.

Is CHARINDEX case-sensitive in SQL Server?

Case sensitivity depends on the collation of the column or database. By default, most SQL Server collations are case-insensitive.

Can you find multiple occurrences with CHARINDEX?

CHARINDEX only returns the position of the first occurrence. Use additional logic (such as loops or nested queries) for further occurrences.

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