Most Recommended Books

Track reading, wishlists & new-book alerts

Get
Skip to content
Share:

25 Best SQL Server Books

We analyzed 5+ expert sources, curated book lists, and recommendations from successful people to find the 25 best sql server books according to the internet — not just one person's opinion. Each book on this list was mentioned by at least two independent sources, and the ranking is based on how frequently each title appears across all sources studied. This consensus-based approach ensures you get recommendations backed by multiple experts, not a single reviewer's bias.

Goal: Find the best SQL Server books according to the internet (not just one person's opinion).

Method:

  1. Search for "best sql server books" and study the top 5+ pages.
  2. Add only the books mentioned 2+ times.
  3. Rank the results neatly here.

25 Best SQL Server Books

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you).

1

Expert Scripting and Automation for SQL Server DBAs

by Peter A. Carter
2

Microsoft SQL Server 2019

A Beginner's Guide

by Dusan Petkovic
3

Murach's SQL Server 2019 for Developers

by Joel Murach
4

Securing SQL Server

Protecting Your Database from Attackers

by Denny Cherry
5

Troubleshooting SQL Server

A Guide for the Accidental DBA

by Jonathan Kehayias
6

Applied Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services

by Teo Lachev
7

Delivering Business Intelligence with Microsoft SQL Server 2016

by Brian Larson
8

Expert Performance Indexing for SQL Server 2012

by Jason Strate
9

High Performance SQL Server

The Go Faster Book

by Benjamin Nevarez
10

Introducing Microsoft SQL Server 2014

by Ross Mistry
11

Learn SQL Server Administration in a Month of Lunches

Covers Microsoft SQL Server 2005-2014

by Don Jones
12

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Internals

by Kalen Delaney
13

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 T-SQL Fundamentals

by Itzik Ben-Gan
14

Microsoft SQL Server T-SQL in 10 Minutes

Sams Teach Yourself

by Ben Forta
15

Pro SQL Server Internals

by Dmitri Korotkevitch
16

Professional SQL Server 2012 Internals and Troubleshooting

by Christian Bolton
17

SQL Cookbook

Query Solutions and Techniques for Database Developers

by Anthony Molinaro
18

SQL Practice Problems

57 Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Challenges for you to Solve Using a "Learn-by-Doing" Approach

by Sylvia Moestl Vasilik
19

SQL QuickStart Guide

The Simplified Beginner's Guide to Managing, Analyzing, and Manipulating Data With SQL

by Walter Shields
20

SQL Server 2008 Administration in Action

by Rod Colledge
21

SQL Server 2016 Reporting Services Cookbook

by Dinesh Priyankara
22

SQL Server Execution Plans

by Grant Fritchey
23

SQL Server Internals

In-Memory Oltp

by Kalen Delaney
24

SQL Server T-SQL Recipes

by David Dye
25

T-SQL Fundamentals

by Itzik Ben-Gan

Sources

Edited by

Richard Reis

Software engineer whose passion for tracking book recommendations from podcasts inspired the creation of MRB.

Anurag Ramdasan

Lead investor at 3one4 Capital whose startup expertise and love for books helped shaped MRB and its growth.

Comments

Did we miss something? Have feedback?

Help us improve this page by sharing your thoughts

We only use your email to notify you about replies.

All comments are moderated.

Discover and track your reading on the go

Track your reading, manage wishlists, and get notified when new books are added.

25 Best SQL Server Books (2026)