SQL Formatter

What is an SQL Formatter?

An SQL Formatter takes SQL code and re-indents it, breaks long clauses onto separate lines, and applies consistent capitalization to keywords so the query is easier to read. It does not change what the query returns. A one-line query pasted from a log file becomes a structured query where SELECT, FROM, WHERE, GROUP BY, and ORDER BY each start on their own line.

How to Use This Tool

1. Paste your SQL query into the input box.
2. Choose the indentation and keyword style offered by the tool, if options are shown.
3. Click Format to produce the readable version.
4. Review the formatted query, checking that table names, column names, and string values are unchanged.
5. Copy the formatted query back into your editor or documentation.

Worked Example

Input SQL:

select name, age from users where age > 30 order by age;

Formatted output:

SELECT name, age
FROM users
WHERE age > 30
ORDER BY age;

This query returns 2 columns (name and age) for every row in users where age is greater than 30, sorted by age from smallest to largest. Formatting only changed spacing, line breaks, and keyword capitalization; the filter age > 30 and the sort order are exactly the same.

Limitations

• Formatting does not validate the query against a live database, so a query can look tidy and still fail if a table or column does not exist.
• Database-specific syntax (for example, vendor functions or dialect keywords) may not be recognized by every formatter.
• The formatter does not check query performance, indexes, or security. A formatted query can still be slow or unsafe.
• Very long queries with many nested subqueries can still be hard to read; consider breaking them into views or common table expressions.
• Do not paste credentials, tokens, or confidential data into any public web tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does formatting change what my query returns?

No. A correct formatter only changes whitespace, line breaks, and keyword case. It keeps table names, column names, values, filters, joins, and sort order unchanged.

Can this tool fix a broken SQL query?

No. It does not run the query or check it against your database schema. If a column name is misspelled or a parenthesis is missing, fix that in your editor first, then format.

Does it work for all SQL dialects?

Common standard SQL (SELECT, JOIN, WHERE, GROUP BY, ORDER BY) formats well. Dialect-specific syntax, such as proprietary functions, may format less cleanly. Check the output before using it.

Should I format SQL before sharing it?

Yes. Formatted SQL is easier for teammates to review, which makes mistakes in joins, filters, and grouping easier to spot before the query runs.