How to use the IN operator in MySQL?
The IN operator in MySQL checks if a value matches any in a specified list, simplifying multiple OR conditions; it works with literals, strings, dates, and subqueries, improves query readability, performs well on indexed columns, supports NOT IN (with caution for NULLs), and can be combined with other conditions, making it essential for efficient filtering in SQL queries.

The IN operator in MySQL is used to check whether a value matches any value in a list. It's a convenient way to replace multiple OR conditions in a WHERE clause. Here's how to use it effectively.
Basic Syntax
SELECT column_name(s) FROM table_name WHERE column_name IN (value1, value2, ...);
This is equivalent to:
WHERE column_name = value1 OR column_name = value2 OR ...
1. Filtering with a List of Values
You can use IN to retrieve rows where a column matches any of several specified values.
SELECT * FROM employees WHERE department_id IN (1, 3, 5);
This selects all employees who work in departments 1, 3, or 5 — much cleaner than writing three separate OR conditions.
2. Using Strings and Dates
The IN operator works with any data type, including strings and dates.
SELECT * FROM customers
WHERE country IN ('USA', 'Canada', 'Mexico');SELECT * FROM orders
WHERE order_date IN ('2023-09-01', '2023-09-02', '2023-09-03');Just make sure to use quotes for strings and date values.
3. Using NOT IN to Exclude Values
To find records that do not match any value in the list, use NOT IN.
SELECT * FROM products WHERE category_id NOT IN (2, 4);
This returns products not in category 2 or 4.
⚠️ Be careful with
NOT INwhen the list containsNULL. If any value in theINlist isNULL,NOT INmay return no results because comparisons withNULLyieldUNKNOWNin SQL logic.
4. Using Subqueries with IN
One of the most powerful uses of IN is with a subquery.
SELECT * FROM customers WHERE customer_id IN (SELECT customer_id FROM orders WHERE amount > 1000);
This finds all customers who have placed at least one order over $1000.
The subquery runs first, returns a list of customer IDs, and the outer query uses IN to match them.
Key Points to Remember
- The
INoperator improves readability and reduces code length compared to multipleORconditions. - It’s case-insensitive for strings in most MySQL collations (like
utf8mb4_general_ci), but this depends on your column’s collation setting. - Performance is generally good, especially when the column is indexed. For very large lists, consider using a temporary table or
JOIN. - Avoid
NOT INwith nullable columns or subqueries that might returnNULL— useNOT EXISTSinstead in such cases for safer results.
Example: Combining IN with Other Conditions
SELECT name, salary FROM employees WHERE department_id IN (1, 2) AND salary > 50000;
This shows employees in departments 1 or 2 who earn more than $50,000.
Basically, IN simplifies filtering by a set of values — whether literal values or from a subquery — and is a staple in everyday MySQL querying.
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