How to Convert XML to SQL
Loading XML data into a database usually means writing a schema and a stack of INSERT statements by hand. This converter does both for you. It parses your XML with a real parser, finds the repeated record elements under the root, and turns each into a table row. Child elements and attributes become columns, and every column is scanned across all records to infer a sensible type — INTEGER, DECIMAL, BOOLEAN or TEXT. It then emits a CREATE TABLE statement followed by INSERT statements, with text safely single-quoted, inner apostrophes doubled, and empty values written as NULL. Set your table name, choose one INSERT per row or a single fast multi-row INSERT, then copy or download. Everything runs in your browser, so nothing is uploaded.
Paste your XML
Paste your document or load the sample; it's parsed locally with nothing uploaded.
Set the options
Name the table and toggle attributes and multi-row inserts.
Copy or download
Grab the SQL with one tap or save it as a .sql file.
XML vs SQL — What's the Difference?
XML — Extensible Markup Language
A tag-based format where records live in repeated named elements with optional attributes. It's great for transport and integration, but a database can't run it directly — the rows are implied by structure.
SQL — structured statements
Statements a database runs to build tables and add rows. Converting XML to SQL turns those implicit records into an explicit, typed table with a CREATE TABLE and INSERTs your engine can execute.
Common Use Cases
Import XML feeds
Turn an XML data feed or export into a table plus inserts for your database.
Seed a database
Generate schema and data from XML sample records to seed a dev database.
Legacy migration
Move data out of XML-based systems into a relational database.
Bulk loading
Use a multi-row INSERT to load many XML records quickly.
Prototyping
Spin up a realistic table from XML records in seconds.
Test fixtures
Produce repeatable INSERTs from XML for automated tests.
Data exchange
Convert partner XML into loadable SQL for your warehouse.
Quick imports
A fast, no-install way to get XML data into any SQL database.
Tips & Best Practices
Structure XML as repeated records
A root wrapping many same-named elements converts most cleanly — each becomes a row.
Check the inferred types
Types are guessed from the data; review the CREATE TABLE and adjust if a column needs a different type.
Decide on attributes
Keep attributes for ids and metadata as columns, or turn them off for an element-only table.
Batch inserts for big loads
A single multi-row INSERT is much faster than one statement per row for large datasets.
Review before running
Always sanity-check generated SQL against your database's dialect before executing it.
Flatten deep nesting first
Deeply nested elements are flattened to text; flatten the XML for separate typed columns.
Troubleshooting
It says the XML is invalid
XML must be well-formed: tags balanced and closed, one root element, and special characters escaped. Fix any unclosed tags and try again.
Only one row appears
The root probably doesn't contain repeated same-named elements, so the whole document is treated as one record. Wrap your records in a common parent.
A number became TEXT
If any value in that column isn't purely numeric — even one — the whole column is typed as TEXT to stay safe.
A column name has an @ prefix
That column came from an attribute. Attribute columns are prefixed with @ and sanitised to a valid identifier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert XML to SQL for free?
Paste your XML above and SQL appears instantly — a CREATE TABLE plus INSERT statements. Copy it or download a .sql file, free and no signup.
How does it decide what a row is?
It looks for repeated same-named elements directly under the root and treats each as a row. If there's no repetition, the whole document becomes one record.
Does it create the table too?
Yes. You get a full CREATE TABLE statement with inferred column types, not just the inserts.
How are column types decided?
Each column is scanned across all records and typed as INTEGER, DECIMAL, BOOLEAN or TEXT based on its values.
Are attributes included?
Yes, when 'Attributes' is on. They become columns with an @ prefix, sanitised into valid identifiers. You can also turn them off.
Are apostrophes handled safely?
Yes. Text is single-quoted and any inner apostrophe is doubled, so values like O'Brien don't break the SQL.
What happens to empty values?
They're written as NULL rather than empty strings, which is usually what a database expects.
Can I choose the table name?
Yes. Set any table name; it's sanitised into a valid SQL identifier automatically.
What is a multi-row INSERT?
All rows go into a single INSERT ... VALUES statement, which loads much faster for big datasets than one statement per row.
Which databases does it work with?
The output uses standard SQL that works with MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite and more; you may tweak type names for your dialect.
What about deeply nested elements?
Nested child elements are flattened to their text content in a cell; flatten the XML beforehand for separate columns.
Is my data sent to a server?
No. Everything happens inside your browser, so your data never leaves your device.
Can I download the result?
Yes. Save the output as a .sql file, or copy it straight to your clipboard.
How large a document can it handle?
It comfortably converts sizeable XML documents with many records, all in your browser.
Can I convert CSV or TSV instead?
Yes — use our CSV to SQL or TSV to SQL converters for tabular input.
Does it handle namespaces?
Namespaced tags keep their prefixes, which are then sanitised into valid column identifiers.
Does it work on phones?
Yes, in any modern browser on Windows, Mac, Android or iPhone with nothing to install.
Is this converter really free?
Completely free, forever — no account, no ads and no premium wall.
100% free · No signup · Processed in your browser · Data never sent
Last updated: August 2026 · FlipMyFormat XML to SQL Converter
Written and maintained by the FlipMyFormat team · Runs entirely in your browser