Beginner

155. Column Alias

Learn how column aliases make SQL result headings more meaningful.

📘 Lesson 155 of 728 ⏱ 7 min 🎯 Beginner

A column alias assigns a temporary name to a column or expression in the query result.

Readable column names are important when SQL results are used in reports, dashboards, exports, or business analysis.

The expression Salary * 12 can be given the alias AnnualSalary.

SQL 
SELECT
    EmployeeName,
    Salary * 12 AS AnnualSalary
FROM Employees;

Column aliases are commonly used for calculations, aggregate functions, reporting fields, and business-friendly output.

  • Column aliases rename output headings.
  • They can be used with expressions.
  • They can be used with aggregate functions.
  • They improve report readability.
  • They do not normally change the underlying table.
What is a column alias?

A column alias is a temporary name assigned to a column or expression in a query result.

Can an expression have an alias?

Yes. Calculated expressions can be assigned meaningful column aliases.

Have you finished this lesson?

Introduction to SQL – All Lessons