Selecting Data from a MySQL Database Between Two Dates

In MySQL, retrieving data within a specific date range presents a common challenge when storing dates as datetime values. Using >= and

Consider the scenario where you want to select records where the created_at column falls between '2011-12-01' and '2011-12-06.' Running the following query will surprisingly exclude the expected record that occurred at '2011-12-06 10:45:36':

SELECT `users`.* FROM `users` 
WHERE created_at >= '2011-12-01' 
AND created_at 
The reason is that MySQL interprets the end date as midnight ('2011-12-06 00:00:00'), effectively excluding records created later that day. To select the intended record, modify the end date to '2011-12-07':
SELECT `users`.* FROM `users` 
WHERE created_at >= '2011-12-01' 
AND created_at 
Alternatively, use DATE_ADD() to add days to the start date, creating an interval that includes the desired end date:
SELECT `users`.* FROM `users` 
WHERE created_at >= '2011-12-01' 
AND created_at 
For improved readability, the BETWEEN operator can be utilized:
SELECT `users`.* FROM `users` 
WHERE created_at BETWEEN('2011-12-01', DATE_ADD('2011-12-01', INTERVAL 7 DAY))
By adjusting the end date or employing the DATE_ADD() function, you can accurately select data from the specified date range, ensuring that all records created on the intended end date are captured.