---
title: "Determining SQL Collation of a database"
canonical: "https://servicedesk.maxgeo.com/space/LC/1262911588/Determining%20SQL%20Collation%20of%20a%20database"
format: markdown
---
<u>**Objective:**</u>

1. I have an SQL database and I need to determine the collation.
2. I have a backup (.bak) of a database and I need to determine the collation.

<u>**Troubleshoot:**</u>

<span style="color: #bf2600">*Troubleshooting requires access to SQL Management Studio and, in particular, your SQL database.  Therefore this should only be conducted by persons sufficiently experienced and trained with SQL.  If such a person is not available to you, please contact *</span><span style="color: #bf2600">*[support@maxgeo.com](mailto:support@maxgeo.com)*</span><span style="color: #bf2600">* for assistance.*</span>

1. Right-click on the relevant database and select 'Properties'.  The field 'Collation' contains the relevant information.
2. Start a new query using the below query, noting that the lext in 'red' should be replaced with the filepath and filename relevant to your backup (for avoidance of doubt, don't edit the N' at the start and ' at the end).  You will need to ensure the backup is stored locally.  The detail you require is contained in the field 'Collation'.

```sql
RESTORE HEADERONLY
FROM DISK = N'C:\Maxwell\Put on server\1093_54897_Cheetham_BackUpPostReport.bak'
WITH NOUNLOAD;
```