LEAD() in SQL
Accesses data from a subsequent row in the result set within a specified window partition.
Syntax
Return type
LEAD() Function Example
What is LEAD() in SQL?
The LEAD()
function in SQL allows you to access data from a subsequent (next) row within the same result set, based on a specified window partition and ordering. It is commonly used for trend analysis, forecasting, calculating future differences, and detecting upcoming changes.
This function is available in SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and MySQL 8.0+ as part of window functions.
This function is widely used in predictive analytics, financial forecasting, and time-series analysis.
Parameters:
expression: Column or expression to retrieve from next row
offset (optional): Number of rows forward to look (default: 1)
default_value (optional): Value to return when no next row exists
Example Use Cases:
-- Calculate day-over-day change
-- Find gaps in sequence
-- Analyze upcoming appointments
Notes:
Behavior: Returns NULL if no next row and no default specified
Performance Considerations: Window function optimization may be needed
Version Info: Core window function available in most modern DBMS
Deprecated/Recommended Alternatives: None, standard functionality
Error Handling:
Error: Syntax error if ORDER BY is omitted
Recommendation: Always include ORDER BY clause and consider default values
Supported Databases:
DBMS
Function / Syntax
Example
Behavior with NULL
MySQL
LEAD()
LEAD(col) OVER (ORDER BY date)
Returns NULL
PostgreSQL
LEAD()
LEAD(col) OVER (ORDER BY date)
Returns NULL
SQL Server
LEAD()
LEAD(col) OVER (ORDER BY date)
Returns NULL
SQLite
LEAD()
LEAD(col) OVER (ORDER BY date)
Returns NULL
BigQuery
LEAD()
LEAD(col) OVER (ORDER BY date)
Returns NULL
Snowflake
LEAD()
LEAD(col) OVER (ORDER BY date)
Returns NULL
Athena
LEAD()
LEAD(col) OVER (ORDER BY date)
Returns NULL
Related Functions:
LAG()
Accesses data from a previous row in the result set within a specified window partition.
FIRST_VALUE()
Returns the first value in an ordered partition of a result set.
LAST_VALUE()
Returns the last value in an ordered partition of a result set.
ROW_NUMBER()
Assigns a unique sequential integer to rows within a result set partition.