April 25, 2024

Best Websites to Practice SQL

Many beginners learn SQL through tutorials or videos but often struggle when it’s time to write real queries on their own. Without regular hands-on practice, it can be hard to understand how SQL works with actual data.

Popular options like Placement Preparation, GUVI SQLKata, HackerRank, and SQLZoo offer interactive platforms where you can practice writing queries and improve gradually. This blog highlights beginner-friendly websites where you can practice SQL for free and build skills step by step, without needing to spend any money.

10 Best Websites for Practicing SQL – Overview

Here’s an overview of the top 10 websites to practice SQL:

S.No	Website Name	Difficulty Level	Pricing	Website Link
1	Placement Preparation	Beginner	Freemium	View Now
2	GUVI – SQLKata	Beginner	Free	View Now
3	SQLZoo	Intermediate	Free	View Now
4	W3Schools	Beginner	Free	View Now
5	SQLBolt	Intermediate	Free	View Now
6	CodeChef	Intermediate	Free (optional paid)	View Now
7	SQLPad	Advanced	Paid	View Now
8	HackerRank	Intermediate	Free (optional paid)	View Now
9	LeetCode	Intermediate	Free (Premium optional)	View Now
10	Mode Analytics	Intermediate	Free (tools are paid)	View Now

Best Websites to Practice SQL

If you’re just starting out with SQL, figuring out where to practice can be a bit overwhelming. There are many platforms out there, but not all of them are designed to guide beginners through the basics.

Some websites jump straight into advanced queries, while others lack clear feedback or structured lessons. To help you begin with confidence, we’ve put together a list of websites that offer step-by-step SQL practice, useful hints, and beginner-friendly challenges.

Below is the list of best websites to practice SQL for beginners:

1. Placement Preparation

Placement Preparation is a live coding practice platform from GUVI tailored for SQL learners preparing for interviews. It uses an in-browser editor to present problems in increasing difficulty—beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

Each exercise includes interactive hints and immediate feedback, helping users debug and learn as they code. The platform highlights questions that frequently appear in real-world SQL interviews at IT companies, such as multi-table joins, aggregate queries, and subqueries.

Users can revisit these commonly asked problems, reinforcing their skills through repetition.

2. GUVI – SQLKata

GUVI’s SQLKata offers a structured set of SQL coding challenges driven by real company-based scenarios. It emphasizes query logic, covering topics like SELECT statements, JOINs, filtering, grouping, and aggregation, making it ideal for those new to SQL who want real-world, relevant practice.

Each exercise is auto-graded and rewards users with “Geekoins” for correct submissions, creating a gamified experience. The platform provides immediate evaluation, helping beginners understand mistakes and learn faster.

3. SQLZoo

SQLZoo offers an interactive SQL tutorial with live code execution, making it easier for learners to practice directly in the browser. It presents a mix of tutorials, quizzes, and assessments that cover real database concepts through immediate application. Users can modify queries and test results instantly, which reinforces learning.

The platform covers a broad set of topics including SELECT queries, joins, subqueries, and aggregate functions. Each lesson provides short explanations followed by practical tasks.

4. W3Schools

W3Schools provides a beginner-friendly SQL section with hands-on exercises and embedded editors for real-time query testing. Its guided approach walks users through core topics like SELECT, INSERT, WHERE, and GROUP BY, with clear examples and instant feedback.

The exercises are designed for new learners who want a low-pressure environment to try simple queries. Each exercise includes a small snippet or question to solve, making it easy to complete lessons quickly and steadily build confidence.

5. SQLBolt

SQLBolt offers a sequence of interactive lessons that combine short explanations with live SQL exercises. Each module is centered around one concept and includes examples, mini-quizzes, and real queries for practice—ideal for both technical and non-technical users.

Topics range from basic data selection to more complex operations like table constraints and joins. The simplicity of the interface and lesson format helps users retain concepts by applying them directly after reading.

6. CodeChef

CodeChef offers a structured SQL path with topic-wise problems framed as real-world case studies. It includes challenges based on JOINs, subqueries, CASE expressions, and aggregate functions, all available for direct execution in the browser.

The interface is beginner-friendly and also suitable for competitive practice. Learners can track their progress and even receive shareable certificates for completing certain milestones, which adds value for placement-oriented users.

7. SQLPad

SQLPad is a career-focused platform that helps learners prepare for SQL and data science interviews. It offers curated problems inspired by questions asked at companies like Apple and Amazon, with a focus on real interview logic and performance.

Each question comes with hints, explanations, and a clean code editor to simulate interview environments. Though it’s a paid tool, SQLPad provides detailed feedback, making it ideal for serious candidates aiming to land data roles.

8. HackerRank

HackerRank’s SQL domain provides a wide range of challenges, from SELECT basics to advanced joins and aggregations. Exercises are grouped into subdomains like Basic Select, Advanced Select, and Alternative Queries, making it easy to find your level.

The platform is used by companies for hiring, so its questions reflect real-world expectations. Learners can participate in contests, solve problems by difficulty level, and compare solutions with others through the discussion board.

9. LeetCode

LeetCode’s “Top SQL 50” study plan curates 50 handpicked problems to strengthen SQL logic for interview readiness. These challenges are categorized by difficulty and cover essential concepts like joins, groupings, nested queries, and aggregate functions.

Users can solve each problem in the built-in editor and explore community solutions after submitting. The structured flow and company-tagged problems make LeetCode a preferred choice for intermediate users preparing for tech interviews.

10. Mode Analytics

Mode’s SQL Tutorial is geared toward learners who want to use SQL for data analysis. It offers hands-on tutorials divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, with real datasets and clear walkthroughs.

Lessons are project-oriented, often reflecting workplace scenarios. It’s particularly useful for learners interested in analytics or business intelligence roles, and the tutorial can be followed alongside Mode’s analytics tools.

Tips to Practice SQL Effectively

1. Start with SELECT and JOINs: Begin by mastering basic queries like SELECT, WHERE, and JOIN. These form the core of most SQL problems you’ll face.

2. Practice on real datasets: Use platforms or public datasets (like employee or sales data) to run practical queries. It helps in understanding how SQL works in real scenarios.

3. Focus on query thinking: Rather than memorizing syntax, focus on how to break down problems into logical steps using SQL commands.

4. Repeat common patterns: Problems involving GROUP BY, HAVING, and nested queries appear often in interviews. Practicing these repeatedly improves fluency.

5. Review and compare solutions: Use community forums or discussion threads to see how others solve the same problem. It helps discover better and more efficient query patterns.

Final Words

With so many beginner-friendly platforms available, learning SQL is now more accessible than ever. Websites like Placement Preparation, GUVI SQLKata, HackerRank, and SQLZoo offer structured practice, live feedback, and real-world query challenges to help you build strong skills from the ground up.

Whether you’re preparing for placements, working on interview readiness, or just starting out, these tools give you a clear path to practice and improve. We’ll keep updating this article as new platforms emerge and learners share what works best for them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best websites for practicing SQL?

Several websites are available to practice SQL, including Placement Preparation, GUVI SQLKata, HackerRank, SQLZoo, LeetCode, and Mode Analytics.

2. Why should I use a website to practice SQL?

Websites offer a hands-on way to write real queries and get instant feedback. This helps you understand how SQL works with actual data and makes learning easier.

3. How do I choose the right website for practicing SQL?

Look for platforms that offer beginner-friendly problems, clear instructions, live editors, and structured paths. Some also include interview-style questions and community help.

4. Can a beginner learn SQL effectively by practicing on websites?

Yes, beginners can learn SQL well through these platforms. Many websites start with simple queries and guide you step by step as your skills grow.

5. What is the best website for beginners to practice SQL?

Placement Preparation is a strong option for beginners with its live code editor and interview-based questions. GUVI SQLKata is also useful for practicing topic-wise problems in a simple format.

6. Is Placement Preparation good for SQL practice?

Yes, Placement Preparation is helpful for SQL practice. It provides live coding exercises, real-time hints, and questions that are often asked in interviews, all organized by difficulty level.

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