PIVOT in SQL Server - Examples & AI Generator

Mastering the PIVOT function in SQL Server can be challenging. The required syntax is different from other databases and often involves nested queries, making it tough to remember or adapt under pressure. AI2sql solves this by instantly converting business questions into production-ready PIVOT queries—no manual coding required, no stress over SQL Server’s unique syntax. Ideal for SQL developers and data analysts, AI2sql accelerates your workflow and ensures accuracy in seconds.

PIVOT Syntax in SQL Server

The PIVOT function in SQL Server rotates rows into columns, letting you summarize data quickly. Here’s the core syntax:

SELECT <non-pivoted column(s)>,
       [FirstPivotColumn],
       [SecondPivotColumn],
       ...
FROM (
    SELECT <columns> FROM <table>
) AS SourceTable
PIVOT (
    AGGREGATE_FUNCTION(<column_to_aggregate>)
    FOR <column_to_pivot>

SQL Server-specific notes:

• PIVOT requires a subquery as input.

• Column names to pivot must be listed explicitly.

• Syntax is not directly portable from MySQL or PostgreSQL.

PIVOT Examples You Can Generate Instantly

Deploy these real-world PIVOT SQL Server examples, instantly generated with AI2sql:

1. Total sales by product and month

SELECT *
FROM (
  SELECT ProductName, DATENAME(month, OrderDate) AS OrderMonth, Amount
  FROM Orders
) AS SalesData
PIVOT (
  SUM(Amount) FOR OrderMonth IN ([January], [February], [March])
) AS PivotSales;

2. Count of orders by customer across regions

SELECT *
FROM (
  SELECT CustomerName, Region
  FROM Orders
) AS OrderData
PIVOT (
  COUNT(Region) FOR Region IN ([West], [East], [South], [North])
) AS PivotOrders;

3. Average order value per sales rep per quarter

SELECT *
FROM (
  SELECT SalesRep, DATENAME(quarter, OrderDate) AS Quarter, Amount
  FROM Orders
) AS SourceTable
PIVOT (
  AVG(Amount) FOR Quarter IN ([1], [2], [3], [4])
) AS PivotAvg;

Generate PIVOT queries in 10 seconds with AI2sql

Why Use AI2sql Instead of Manual PIVOT Coding

• Save time: Generate accurate SQL Server PIVOT syntax in 10 seconds.

• No coding required: Simply describe your question; AI2sql does the rest.

• Reduce errors: Avoid common mistakes in writing advanced queries.

• Trusted worldwide: 50,000+ users in over 80 countries rely on AI2sql for instant, production-ready code.

Still switching between database documentation or Stack Overflow for PIVOT SQL Server examples? Let AI2sql handle the heavy lifting while you focus on insights.

Internal Links

• Try AI2sql Generator

• Learn PIVOT

FAQ: PIVOT in SQL Server

• Q: Can I use multiple aggregate functions in a single PIVOT statement in SQL Server?
  A: No, each PIVOT query supports one aggregate function. To use multiple, combine PIVOT queries with UNION or write multiple subqueries.

• Q: Why do I have to list PIVOT columns explicitly in SQL Server?
  A: SQL Server requires explicit column names for pivoted data. Dynamic solutions require additional SQL (e.g., dynamic SQL scripts).

• Q: How can I quickly test new PIVOT logic without writing code?
  A: Use AI2sql to describe your pivot requirement in plain English and get instant SQL Server code—no manual coding needed.

Conclusion

Writing PIVOT queries in SQL Server is often a source of frustration for even experienced developers due to the rigid and verbose syntax. With AI2sql, you can generate production-ready PIVOT queries in just 10 seconds—no coding, no memorization. Apply your focus to data-driven decisions, not syntax. Generate Your First Query Now.