Best Resources to Learn SQL for Free in 2026
SQL (Structured Query Language) is used to work with data stored in databases. Here are 5 free reader-recommended resources to help you master SQL from scratch or sharpen your practical query skills in 2026.
- ✓SQL remains the foundational language of software, analytics, and AI infrastructure across modern engineering.
- ✓You do not need to buy an expensive bootcamp — world-class interactive tutorials and hands-on interpreters are available 100% free.
- ✓Beginners benefit most from interactive in-browser practice (like SQLTutorial.org and ThoughtSpot) before reading abstract theory.
- ✓Intermediate engineers can dive straight into real-world pipelines and interview preparation with Data Engineering 101 and Modern SQL.
SQL (Structured Query Language) is used to work with data stored in databases.
Today, I’m sharing some free resources recommended by our readers to help you learn SQL for free. I’ve included resources for beginners as well as people who already know the basics and want to practise more.
Joseph Machado is a data engineer with around 10 years of experience working with data pipelines and infrastructure. If you already know the basics of SQL, I’d recommend going through this one. It goes deeper into SQL concepts and is also useful if you’re preparing for a SQL interview.
Markus Winand has been teaching SQL to developers for more than 20 years. The website explains SQL concepts in a simple way and is a good place to start if you want to understand the basics before moving to more advanced topics. I’d keep this one bookmarked while learning SQL.
SQLTutorial.org keeps things simple. It teaches SQL through examples and short explanations, making it easy to follow along. What I like about this resource is that you can read a concept and practise it at the same time. If you’re just starting with SQL, this is a good place to begin.
SQLCourse has both tutorials and exercises, so you can learn a concept and then practise it right away. It works well for beginners, but it’s also useful if you already know SQL and want some extra practice.
If you’re completely new to SQL, take a look at this interactive tutorial from ThoughtSpot. It covers the basics, including writing queries, filtering, joins, aggregations, and creating, updating and deleting tables. The interactive format also lets you practise while learning instead of only reading about SQL.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to buy a course to get started with SQL.
- If you’re a beginner, start with SQLTutorial.org or ThoughtSpot.
- Once you’re comfortable with the basics, try Modern SQL or Data Engineering 101 to go a little deeper.
- And if you know another free resource that should be on this list, send it to us.
"I'll keep finding more high-signal websites like these and adding them to LearnLists."
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