Vid 3 - Rank() vs Dense_Rank() compare these two SQL Server Functions. #shorts

Both RANK() and DENSE_RANK() are window functions in SQL Server that are used to assign a rank to each row within a result set. The main difference between the two functions is how they handle ties.

RANK(): Assigns a unique rank to each distinct row. If there are ties (i.e., multiple rows with the same value), the function will skip the next rank(s) to maintain a unique ranking sequence. For example, if two rows tie for the first rank, the next row(s) will be assigned a rank of 3 (assuming no other ties).

DENSE_RANK(): Assigns a unique rank to each distinct row, but does not skip any ranks in the event of ties. For example, if two rows tie for the first rank, the next row(s) will be assigned a rank of 2 (not 3, as in the case of RANK()).

In other words, RANK() leaves gaps in the ranking sequence when there are ties, whereas DENSE_RANK() does not. DENSE_RANK() can be useful when you want to calculate a rank that reflects the actual position of each row within the result set, regardless of ties.

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