Difference between RANK() and DENSE_RANK() in sql server.

Question

Sunil Singh · Answer

RANK Function skips rankings if there is a tie where as DENSE_RANK willnot

For example

If you have 2 rows at rank 1 and you have 5 rows in total

Rank() returns-1, 1, 3, 4, 5

DENSE_RANK RETURN - 1, 1, 2, 3 ,4

lets take an example to understand

select Name,salary,

rank() over (Order by Salary desc) as [rank] from salary

select Name,salary,

dense_rank() over (Order by Salary desc) as [rank] from salary

forum