[excel] Excel: Use a cell value as a parameter for a SQL query

I'm using MS Excel to get data from a MySQL database through ODBC.
I successfully get data using an SQL query. But now I want that query to be parameterized.
So I wonder If it is possible to use a cell value (a spreadsheet cell) as a parameter for such a query.
For example, for this query:

select name from user where id=1

I'd like to get the id value from, say, cell D4 in the spreadsheet.

Is that the proper approach to parameterize a query? and how can I do it?

Thanks.

This question is related to excel odbc

The answer is


If you are using microsoft query, you can add "?" to your query...

select name from user where id= ?

that will popup a small window asking for the cell/data/etc when you go back to excel.

In the popup window, you can also select "always use this cell as a parameter" eliminating the need to define that cell every time you refresh your data. This is the easiest option.


The SQL is somewhat like the syntax of MS SQL.

SELECT * FROM [table$] WHERE *;

It is important that the table name is ended with a $ sign and the whole thing is put into brackets. As conditions you can use any value, but so far Excel didn't allow me to use what I call "SQL Apostrophes" (ยด), so a column title in one word is recommended.

If you have users listed in a table called "Users", and the id is in a column titled "id" and the name in a column titled "Name", your query will look like this:

SELECT Name FROM [Users$] WHERE id = 1;

Hope this helps.


queryString = "SELECT name FROM user WHERE id=" & Worksheets("Sheet1").Range("D4").Value