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Data & Analytics · Advanced

Sargable Query

A query whose predicates can use an index seek or pruning (Search ARGument ABLE), typically because columns are not wrapped in functions.

Definition

Predicates such as col = value, col > value or col LIKE 'abc%' are sargable. Wrapping the column in a function (UPPER(col) = 'X', YEAR(col) = 2026), applying arithmetic to it, or causing implicit conversion usually prevents seeks.

Example

Rewrite WHERE YEAR(OrderDate) = 2026 as WHERE OrderDate >= '2026-01-01' AND OrderDate < '2027-01-01'.

Exam tip

When an index exists but the query still scans, look for a function or conversion applied to the indexed column.

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