SQL DROP TABLE (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 12 Jun, 2026

The DROP TABLE command permanently removes a table from the database.

Deletes all rows and dependent objects, including indexes, constraints and triggers.
Recovery is possible only through a backup or database recovery mechanism.

**Syntax:

DROP TABLE table_name;

The following example demonstrates how to use the DROP TABLE command.

Step1: Create a Database and Table

First, we will create a database and table on which the SQL queries will be run.

CREATE DATABASE NewCafe;
USE NewCafe;

CREATE TABLE categories (
CategoryID INT NOT NULL PRIMARY KEY,
CategoryName NVARCHAR(50) NOT NULL,
ItemDescription NVARCHAR(50) NOT NULL
);

INSERT INTO categories (CategoryID, CategoryName, ItemDescription)
VALUES
(1, 'Beverages', 'Soft Drinks'),
(2, 'Condiments', 'Sweet and Savory Sauces'),
(3, 'Confections', 'Sweet Breads');

SELECT * FROM categories;

**Output:

Screenshot-2026-02-06-121632

Categories Table

At this point, the categories table has been created with three rows of sample data.

Step2: Drop the Table

Now, let’s use the DROP TABLE statement to delete the categories table permanently

**Query:

DROP TABLE categories;

**Output:

Screenshot-2026-02-06-121733

Drop Categories Table

Working of SQL DROP TABLE

The DROP TABLE statement permanently removes a table from the database along with all its associated data and objects.

Deletes the table, including its data, indexes, triggers, constraints and permissions.
Once a table is dropped, it cannot be recovered, so this command should be used with caution.
Using DROP TABLE IF EXISTS prevents errors by ensuring the table is dropped only if it exists.

DROP TABLE IF EXISTS categories;

When a partitioned table is dropped, the table definition, all partitions, their data and partition metadata are removed. The partitioning scheme is also deleted if it is not used by other tables.
Temporary tables can be dropped using the TEMPORARY keyword.

DROP TEMPORARY TABLE temp_table_name;

To verify whether a table has been dropped, use commands like SHOW TABLES (MySQL) or query INFORMATION_SCHEMA.TABLES. If the table no longer exists, DESCRIBE or DESC will return an error.

SHOW TABLES;