How to view list of databases on SQL Server

Here we will discuss how to view a list of databases on an instance of SQL Server by using SQL Server Management Studio or Transact-SQL.

Using SQL Server Management Studio

To view a list of databases on an instance of SQL Server

1. In Object Explorer, connect to an instance of the SQL Server Database Engine, and then expand that instance.
2. To see a list of all databases on the instance, expand Databases.

Using Transact-SQL

To view a list of databases on an instance of SQL Server

1. Connect to the Database Engine.
2. From the Standard bar, click New Query.
3. Copy and paste the following example into the query window and click Execute. This example returns a list of databases on the instance of SQL Server. The list includes the names of the databases, their database IDs, and the dates when the databases were created.

USE AdventureWorks2012;  
GO  
SELECT name, database_id, create_date  
FROM sys.databases ;  
GO

Columns

• database_name – database name
• database_id – databalase id, unique within an instance of SQL Server
• created_date – date the database was created or renamed

Rows

• One row represents one database
• Scope of rows: all databases on SQL Server instance, including system databases
• Ordered by database name