How to Show Line Numbers in SSMS While Coding

By default, SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) does not show line numbers in the query editor. This can be frustrating when debugging errors (which often mention a specific line number) or when working in teams.

The good news: enabling line numbers is quick and easy.

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🔧 Steps to Enable Line Numbers in SSMS

1. In SSMS, go to the top menu: Tools > Options.
2. In the Options window, expand: Text Editor > Transact-SQL > General.
3. Check the box Line numbers.
4. Click OK.

Now, every query window will display line numbers on the left margin.

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🖥️ Example

Before:

SELECT * FROM Customers
WHERE Country = 'USA'
ORDER BY CustomerID;

After enabling line numbers, you’ll see:

1   SELECT * FROM Customers
2   WHERE Country = 'USA'
3   ORDER BY CustomerID;

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✅ Why It Helps

• Debugging: Error messages that reference line numbers are much easier to trace.
• Collaboration: Easier to discuss code with teammates (“Check line 45”).
• Navigation: Quickly spot sections of large scripts.

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Enabling line numbers is a simple tweak that makes coding in SSMS much smoother. If you often debug or write long scripts, it’s worth turning on.