How to pronounce SQL Server

SQL Server is most commonly pronounced "S Q L server" (/ˌɛs kjuː ˈɛl ˈsɜːrvər/). This is one of several readings in active use; the developer community hasn't converged on a single answer.

Both readings are current for Microsoft's database: letters ('ess-kyoo-ell server') and 'sequel server'. Microsoft itself uses both in its own talks, so neither is wrong — the letters are the safer default in an international room.

Alternate readings you might hear:

• "sequel server" /ˈsiːkwəl ˈsɜːrvər/

Pronouncing project and product names correctly avoids the small but persistent friction of being gently corrected during standups, conference Q&As, and team calls. Hearing the word a few times locks in the right reading better than reading IPA ever will. Pronounce is a community-maintained dictionary — every entry tagged with a confidence level and (where possible) a citable source.