SQL Server Report Builder is a free, stand-alone application provided by Microsoft for authoring, designing, testing, and publishing reports. It is designed to work with SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and provides a user-friendly interface for creating complex reports. The tool is particularly useful for business intelligence and data analysis, allowing users to connect to various data sources, including SQL Server databases, and create reports with tables, charts, maps, and other visualizations.
Key Features of SQL Server Report Builder

SQL Server Report Builder offers a wide range of features that make it an indispensable tool for report creation and data analysis. Some of the key features include:
- Drag-and-Drop Interface: Allows users to easily create reports by dragging and dropping fields from the dataset onto the report layout.
- Rich Data Visualization: Supports various data visualizations, including tables, matrices, charts, gauges, and maps, to help users effectively communicate insights and trends in their data.
- Expression-Based Calculations: Enables users to perform complex calculations using expressions, allowing for advanced data analysis and manipulation.
- Conditional Formatting: Allows users to highlight important trends or anomalies in their data using conditional formatting rules.
- Drill-Down Capability: Enables users to create reports with drill-down capabilities, allowing them to view detailed data by clicking on summary values.
- Integration with SSRS: Seamlessly integrates with SQL Server Reporting Services, allowing users to publish and manage their reports on a server.
Downloading and Installing SQL Server Report Builder
To download SQL Server Report Builder, follow these steps:
- Visit the Microsoft Download Center and search for “SQL Server Report Builder”.
- Click on the “Download” button next to the version of Report Builder that corresponds to your version of SQL Server.
- Run the installer and follow the prompts to install Report Builder on your computer.
Key Points
- SQL Server Report Builder is a free, stand-alone application for authoring and designing reports.
- It supports a wide range of data sources, including SQL Server databases.
- The tool offers a drag-and-drop interface, rich data visualization, and expression-based calculations.
- Report Builder integrates seamlessly with SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) for report publishing and management.
- The latest version of Report Builder can be downloaded from the Microsoft Download Center.
System Requirements for SQL Server Report Builder

Before downloading and installing SQL Server Report Builder, ensure that your computer meets the following system requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, or Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, or Windows Server 2012.
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster processor.
- Memory: 1 GB of RAM or more.
- Hard Disk Space: 1 GB of available hard disk space or more.
- Software Requirements:.NET Framework 4.7.2 or later, and Microsoft SQL Server 2017 or later.
Report Builder Version | Corresponding SQL Server Version |
---|---|
Report Builder 2016 | SQL Server 2016 |
Report Builder 2017 | SQL Server 2017 |
Report Builder 2019 | SQL Server 2019 |

Tips and Tricks for Using SQL Server Report Builder
Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of SQL Server Report Builder:
- Use the Tablix Data Region: The Tablix data region is a powerful feature in Report Builder that allows you to create complex reports with tables, matrices, and lists.
- Take Advantage of Conditional Formatting: Conditional formatting is a useful feature that enables you to highlight important trends or anomalies in your data.
- Use Parameters to Filter Data: Parameters allow you to filter data in your reports, making it easier to analyze and visualize specific subsets of data.
- Use the Built-in Functions: Report Builder provides a range of built-in functions that you can use to perform calculations and manipulate data.
What is the difference between SQL Server Report Builder and SQL Server Reporting Services?
+SQL Server Report Builder is a free, stand-alone application for authoring and designing reports, while SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) is a server-based platform for publishing, managing, and deploying reports.
Can I use SQL Server Report Builder with other data sources besides SQL Server?
+Yes, Report Builder supports a wide range of data sources, including Oracle, ODBC, and OLE DB connections.
How do I publish my reports to a server using SQL Server Report Builder?
+To publish your reports to a server, you need to install and configure SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) on your server, and then use the "Publish" feature in Report Builder to upload your reports to the server.
Meta Description: Download SQL Server Report Builder for free and learn how to create complex reports with tables, charts, and other visualizations. Get tips and tricks for using Report Builder and find answers to frequently asked questions.