This page is a quick reference checkpoint for DENSE_RANK in Redshift: behavior, syntax rules, edge cases, and a minimal example; plus the official vendor documentation.
DENSE_RANK assigns a ranking number to each row, giving equal values the same rank but without gaps after ties.
No behavioral details such as default frame behavior, NULL-handling, or tie-resolution specifics are described.
If this behavior feels unintuitive, the tutorial below explains the underlying pattern step-by-step.
Syntax supports DENSE_RANK() OVER (window); ORDER BY is required inside the window clause.
SELECT DENSE_RANK() OVER (ORDER BY price) AS price_dense_rank FROM products;
If you came here to confirm syntax, you’re done. If you came here to get better at window functions, choose your next step.
DENSE_RANK is part of a bigger window-function pattern. If you want the “why”, start here: Ranking Functions
Reading docs is useful. Writing the query correctly under pressure is the skill.
For the authoritative spec, use the vendor docs. This page is the fast “sanity check”.
View Redshift Documentation →Looking for more functions across all SQL dialects? Visit the full SQL Dialects & Window Functions Documentation.