JSON to SQL Converter
JSON Input
SQL Output
About JSON to SQL Converter
Convert JSON arrays to SQL INSERT statements instantly. This tool transforms JSON data into SQL queries that can be executed directly in your database. Perfect for database seeding, data migration, creating test fixtures, importing API data into databases, and generating SQL from JSON exports. The converter handles various data types including strings, numbers, booleans, null values, and even nested objects/arrays (serialized as JSON strings). You can customize the table name and choose between multi-line (readable) or single-line (compact) format. The tool automatically escapes special characters in strings, properly formats NULL values, and generates syntactically correct SQL for MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and most other SQL databases. Whether you're seeding a development database, migrating data, creating test scenarios, or importing data from APIs, this tool simplifies the process. All conversion happens in your browser for complete privacy and security.
How to Use
- Paste your JSON array in the left panel.
- Your JSON must be an array of objects: [{"col1": val1}, {"col2": val2}].
- Each object becomes one row in the INSERT statement.
- Object keys become column names.
- Enter the table name where data will be inserted.
- Toggle "Multi-line format" for readable SQL (or off for compact).
- The SQL INSERT statement will appear automatically on the right.
- Click "Copy" to copy the SQL to your clipboard.
- Click "Download" to save the SQL as a .sql file.
- Use "Clear" to reset everything to defaults.
Frequently Asked Questions
What JSON format is required?
Your JSON must be an array of objects. Each object represents one row to insert. All objects should have the same keys (column names), though missing keys in some objects will result in NULL values for those columns. Example: [{"name": "John", "age": 30}, {"name": "Jane", "age": 25}].
How are different data types handled?
The tool automatically handles: strings (quoted and escaped), numbers (integers and floats), booleans (true/false), null/undefined (converted to SQL NULL), arrays (serialized as JSON strings), and objects (serialized as JSON strings). Each type is properly formatted for SQL compatibility.
What if objects have different keys?
The tool uses the keys from the first object to determine columns. If subsequent objects are missing some keys, those values will be NULL in the SQL. If subsequent objects have extra keys not in the first object, those extra keys will be ignored. For best results, ensure all objects have the same structure.
Can I use this with any SQL database?
Yes! The generated SQL uses standard INSERT syntax that works with MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, SQL Server, and most other SQL databases. Backticks (`) are used for identifiers, which is MySQL-style but widely supported. For PostgreSQL, you might want to replace backticks with double quotes (") manually if needed.
What is multi-line format?
Multi-line format puts each row on a new line with indentation, making the SQL more readable for humans. Single-line format puts everything on one line, making it more compact. Use multi-line for readability and debugging, single-line for minimal file size or when pasting into tools with line limits.
How are strings with quotes handled?
Single quotes in string values are automatically escaped by doubling them ('' in SQL). This is the standard SQL escape mechanism and works across all databases. For example, "O'Brien" becomes 'O''Brien' in the SQL output.
Can I insert nested objects or arrays?
Yes, but they're converted to JSON strings. If your JSON contains nested objects or arrays, they're serialized to JSON and inserted as string values. This works well with databases that support JSON columns (like PostgreSQL's jsonb, MySQL's JSON type). For relational data, consider flattening your structure first.
Why would I convert JSON to SQL?
Common use cases include: seeding development databases with test data, migrating data from APIs to databases, importing JSON exports into SQL databases, creating fixtures for automated tests, loading data from JSON files into databases, converting NoSQL data to SQL format, and generating SQL for database initialization scripts.
Can I convert SQL back to JSON?
Yes! Use our SQL to JSON converter tool to convert in the opposite direction. It parses INSERT statements and extracts the data as JSON. You'll find it in the Code Conversion Tools section.
Is my data secure?
Absolutely! All conversion happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your JSON data never leaves your computer and is not sent to any server. You can even use this tool offline once loaded. Perfect for working with sensitive or production data.