SQL LIKE Pattern Tester

Test a LIKE pattern (% = any sequence, _ = any single character) against sample strings. Runs entirely in your browser.

How to use:

  1. Enter a LIKE pattern with % (any sequence) and _ (single char) wildcards
  2. Use \% and \_ for literal percent/underscore; optionally toggle case-sensitivity or NOT LIKE
  3. Add your test strings (one per line, used exactly as typed)
  4. See instant match results with the matched part highlighted

LIKE case-sensitivity varies by database — PostgreSQL's LIKE is case-sensitive by default (use ILIKE for insensitive), MySQL usually isn't.

Results 2/7 match

Alice JohnsonNo match
alice.j@example.comNo match
Bob SmithMatch
Bobby TablesMatch
Carol_AnnNo match
2024-03-11No match
Order #10234No match

Equivalent regex: ^Bob.*$

About this tool

SQL LIKE Pattern Tester is a free online tool for testing LIKE wildcard patterns against sample strings. Enter a pattern using % (any sequence of characters) and _ (exactly one character), add test values, and instantly see which strings match — no database connection needed.

Wildcards
% matches any sequence; _ matches exactly one character; \% and \_ match literals (standard backslash escape)
Options
Case-sensitive matching toggle and NOT LIKE inversion
Input
One LIKE pattern plus sample strings, one per line (used exactly as typed — spaces count)
Output
Per-string match / no-match results
Signup
Not required
Processing
Entirely in your browser — patterns and strings are never uploaded
Difference
Live match highlighting with ESCAPE and NOT LIKE support — not just match/no-match badges
Price
Free, no usage limits

Limitations

  • Case-sensitivity behavior may differ from your database's collation (MySQL is case-insensitive by default; PostgreSQL is case-sensitive)
  • T-SQL bracket wildcards ([abc], [a-z]) and custom ESCAPE characters are not supported

LIKE Pattern Tester — FAQ

Is the LIKE Pattern Tester free?

Yes. The LIKE Pattern Tester is completely free with no signup and no usage limits, like all SqlInt mini tools.

Which wildcards are supported?

% matches any sequence, _ matches exactly one character, and backslash escapes (\%, \_) match literals.

Case-sensitive or not?

Your choice via toggle — but note real collations differ: PostgreSQL LIKE is case-sensitive by default while MySQL usually is not.

Does my data leave my browser?

No. Every mini tool processes data locally in your browser — pasted text and uploaded files never leave your device.