Understanding the DENSE_RANK() Function in MySQL

In MySQL, the DENSE_RANK() function is a window function that returns the rank of the current row within its partition, without gaps.

By “without gaps” this means that it returns contiguous rank numbers whenever there are peers. Peers are considered ties and receive the same rank. In such cases, the next rank value is one greater than the current one (i.e. the one that the peers receive).

Continue reading