GREATEST in SQL Server - Examples & AI Generator

Looking for the GREATEST function in SQL Server? Unlike databases like PostgreSQL or Oracle, SQL Server doesn’t come with a native GREATEST function, making it challenging for developers and analysts switching platforms. Writing equivalent logic manually can slow down your workflow and create room for errors. AI2sql lets you skip manual implementation entirely—just describe your logic, and instantly generate production-ready GREATEST queries for SQL Server without coding or memorizing syntax.

GREATEST Syntax in SQL Server

How GREATEST Differs in SQL Server

SQL Server does not support a GREATEST() aggregate or scalar function like MySQL or PostgreSQL. To get the greatest value across columns, you’ll typically use:

• CASE statements

• VALUES with subqueries

• User-defined scalar functions

Manual coding increases in complexity as the number of columns grows. Here’s a typical SQL Server workaround:

SELECT
  OrderID,
  CASE 
    WHEN Amount1 >= Amount2 AND Amount1 >= Amount3 THEN Amount1
    WHEN Amount2 >= Amount1 AND Amount2 >= Amount3 THEN Amount2
    ELSE Amount3
  END AS MaxAmount
FROM Orders;

GREATEST Examples You Can Generate Instantly

Here are GREATEST SQL Server examples for real business use-cases. All can be produced in 10 seconds with AI2sql—no coding required.

1. Find Highest Purchase Amount per Customer

SELECT
  CustomerID,
  CustomerName,
  (SELECT MAX(val) FROM (VALUES (JanTotal), (FebTotal), (MarTotal)) AS value(val)) AS HighestQuarterAmount
FROM Customers;

2. Employee Appraisal – Greatest Score

SELECT
  EmployeeID,
  FirstName,
  LastName,
  (SELECT MAX(val) FROM (VALUES (TechnicalScore), (SoftSkillScore), (AttendanceScore)) AS value(val)) AS MaxAppraisalScore
FROM Employees;

3. Product Pricing – Best Sale Price

SELECT
  ProductID,
  ProductName,
  (SELECT MAX(val) FROM (VALUES (OnlinePrice), (StorePrice), (DiscountedPrice)) AS value(val)) AS BestPrice
FROM Products;

Generate GREATEST queries in 10 seconds with AI2sql

Why Use AI2sql Instead of Manual GREATEST Coding

• No memorization of SQL Server workarounds—just describe your intent.

• Produce accurate queries instantly, even for complex multi-field comparisons.

• Used by 50,000+ users across 80+ countries; proven, fast, and trusted.

• Try AI2sql Generator for instant access.

If you want deeper insights, Learn GREATEST with step-by-step tutorials.

FAQ: GREATEST in SQL Server

Is there a native GREATEST() function in SQL Server?

No. SQL Server requires CASE statements or VALUES/MAX combinations for similar logic.

How can I simplify finding the greatest value among columns?

Use the VALUES/MAX workaround shown above, or let AI2sql auto-generate the correct SQL Server syntax based on your prompt.

Does AI2sql support SQL Server GREATEST queries?

Yes—AI2sql instantly generates production-ready GREATEST logic tailored to SQL Server’s requirements.

Conclusion

The lack of a built-in GREATEST() function in SQL Server adds unnecessary complexity and slows down analytics work. With AI2sql, you eliminate the need to memorize complex syntax or debug manual workarounds—just describe what you need and get ready-to-use queries in seconds. Let AI handle the SQL so you can focus on business results. Generate Your First Query Now.