UNPIVOT in SQL

The Unpivot SQL is one of the most useful Operator to convert the Column names into Row values or simply say, Rotating Pivot table to normal table. In this article we will show you, How to convert Column names into Row values using Unpivot in SQL Server with example.

Below screenshot will show you the data present in our [SQL Unpivot Source] table. Using this data, we will convert Column names (2011, 2012, 2013 and 2013) into Row values

UNPIVOT in SQL Example

In this example we will convert the Column names (2011, 2012, 2013 and 2013) into Row values using built-in operator Unpivot along with SQL IN Operator

SQL CODE

OUTPUT

UNPIVOT in SQL Alternatives

If the interviewer is willing to test your coding skills then you can expect this question in SQL interviews. Following are some of the alternative approaches to achieve the Unpivot functionality in SQL Server

Using Cross Apply Values as Unpivot alternative

SQL CODE

OUTPUT

Using Case Statement along with Cross Join as Unpivot alternative

In this example, We are going to use Case Statement along with SQL Cross Join to achieve the Unpivot functionality in SQL server

SQL CODE

OUTPUT

The simplified version of the above code is:

SQL CODE

In this example, we used the Values keyword rather than using the old and traditional Union All

OUTPUT

Using Union All as Unpivot alternative

In this example, We are going to use Union All as alternative to Unpiot.

SQL CODE

OUTPUT

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