How do I select a specific number of records.

[Guest_imported]

I have a table that has about 18,000 records. Each record has a unique random number. I want to select 1000 records with the smallest random number, I am not sure how to go about doing this.

 

[tlbroadbent]

Depending on the version of SQL Server you run you can do one of the following.

Example 1: Use TOP Predicate
Select TOP 1000 col1, col2, col3, ...
From table
Order by randomkey desc

Example 2: Set maximum rowcount
Set rowcount 1000
Select col1, col2, col3, ...
From table
Order by randomkey desc
Set rowcount 0 Terry L. Broadbent
FAQ183-874 contains tips for posting questions in these forums.
NOTE: Reference to the FAQ is not directed at any individual.