MySQL LIMIT & OFFSET – Efficient Data Pagination with Examples Great 2025

MySQL LIMIT & OFFSET: In MySQL, the LIMIT keyword helps restrict the number of rows returned in a query result. It is widely used in pagination, optimizing query performance, and managing large datasets.

Additionally, the OFFSET keyword works alongside LIMIT to specify the starting row position in the result set.

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📌What is the LIMIT Keyword?

MySQL LIMIT & OFFSET: The LIMIT keyword is used with SELECT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements to limit the number of records retrieved or affected.

Basic Syntax:

sql

SELECT column_name(s) FROM table_name [WHERE condition] LIMIT N;

Key Components:
MySQL LIMIT & OFFSET: SELECT column_name(s) FROM table_name – Defines the fields and table to query.
[WHERE condition] – Optional condition to filter records.
LIMIT N – Restricts the result set to N rows.

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📌 Using LIMIT in SELECT Queries

Example: Retrieve the First 2 Rows from the members Table

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SELECT * FROM members LIMIT 2;

This query returns only 2 rows from the members table.

Sample Output:

membership_number	full_names	gender	date_of_birth	email
1	Janet Jones	Female	21-07-1980	janetjones@yagoo.cm
2	Janet Smith Jones	Female	23-06-1980	jj@fstreet.com

✅ Use Case: Fetching a small subset of data for improved performance.

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📌 Fetching a Specific Number of Records

MySQL LIMIT & OFFSET: If we need the first 10 registered members, we can modify our query:

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SELECT * FROM members LIMIT 10;

This will return a maximum of 10 rows from the members table.

🔹 If the total number of records is less than 10, all available records are returned.

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📌 Using OFFSET with LIMIT – Skipping Rows

MySQL LIMIT & OFFSET: OFFSET is used with LIMIT to specify where to start fetching records.

Syntax:

sql

SELECT * FROM table_name LIMIT offset, row_count;

Key Components:
offset – The starting row index (0-based).
row_count – Number of rows to return.

Example: Fetching 2 Records Starting from the 2nd Row

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SELECT * FROM members LIMIT 1, 2;

OFFSET = 1 – Skips the first row.
LIMIT = 2 – Returns the next 2 records.

Sample Output:

membership_number	full_names	gender	date_of_birth	email
2	Janet Smith Jones	Female	23-06-1980	jj@fstreet.com
3	Robert Phil	Male	12-07-1989	rm@tstreet.com

✅ Use Case: Paginating query results in web applications.

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📌Using LIMIT for Pagination

MySQL LIMIT & OFFSET: When displaying large datasets, pagination improves performance.

Example: Show 20 Records Per Page

For page 1 (first 20 records):

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SELECT * FROM members LIMIT 0, 20;

For page 2 (next 20 records):

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SELECT * FROM members LIMIT 20, 20;

For page 3 (next 20 records):

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SELECT * FROM members LIMIT 40, 20;

✅ Use Case: Displaying results on a website with “Next” and “Previous” buttons.

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📌 Summary of MySQL LIMIT & OFFSET

Command	Purpose	Example
LIMIT	Restrict query results	SELECT * FROM members LIMIT 5;
LIMIT with OFFSET	Skip rows and fetch a subset	SELECT * FROM members LIMIT 10, 5;
Pagination	Fetch results page-wise	SELECT * FROM members LIMIT 20, 20;

MySQL LIMIT & OFFSET: By using LIMIT and OFFSET, you can optimize MySQL queries for better performance and efficient data retrieval!

MYSQL ALTER

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