How to Reset Identity Seed After Deleting Records in SQL Server

If you’ve ever deleted records in SQL Server and then noticed your next insert doesn’t start at 1 but maybe jumps to 57, you’ve seen firsthand why it’s important to know how to reseed identity in SQL Server. 

Identity columns are excellent for auto-generating unique row identifiers; however, they usually don’t reset automatically. This behavior can leave frustrating gaps and disrupt your queries. 

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to reset the identity column in SQL Server after deleting records using tools likeDBCC CHECKIDENTandTRUNCATE. You will also learn how dbForge Studio for SQL Server simplifies this process by providing a visual interface that lets you reset identity values without writing a single line of SQL. Whether you’re a database developer preparing for deployment or a database administrator (DBA) maintaining clean datasets, these step-by-step instructions explain all you need to know. 

Let’s get started. 

Table of contents

• What is an identity column in SQL? 
• Why you may need to reset identity seed 
• Methods to reset identity seed in SQL Server 
• How to check current identity value 
• The best way: resetting identity with dbForge Studio for SQL Server
• Conclusion

What is an identity column in SQL? 

An identity column in SQL Server is like a built-in number generator that creates numbers on its own every time a new row is added to a table. The identity column is defined using anIDENTITY(seed, increment) property in theCREATE TABLEor ALTER TABLEstatement.  

TheIDENTITYproperty tells SQL Server to auto-generate numbers for each new row, starting from the seed and increasing by the increment. Here is an example of an identity in SQL Server: 

CREATE TABLE Employees ( 
    EmployeeID INT IDENTITY(1,1) PRIMARY KEY, 
    Name NVARCHAR(100), 
    Department NVARCHAR(50) 
); 

In the example, the identity seed is 1, meaning the first row getsEmployeeID = 1.The increment is also1, so the next row gets2, then3, and so on. 

How identity seed and increment values work 

When you define the seed and increment of your identity column, SQL Server manages this behind the scenes. You won’t need to insert values into your identity columns manually. Instead, the identity sequence begins with the seed, and the next row gets the seed value plus the increment. For example,IDENTITY(1000, 10)will generateIDslike1000, 1010, and1020. 

Common use cases for identity columns 

Here are some scenarios where you can use the SQL Server identity column: 

• To assign order numbers, invoice numbers, or transaction IDs automatically. 
• Assign primary keys in tables that don’t have a natural, unique identity. 
• Generate test data where unique values are required. 
• Generate sequential, auto-incremented numbers for each new row in a table. 

For example, 

INSERT INTO Employees (Name, Department) 
VALUES ('Alice', 'HR'), ('Bob', 'IT'); 

After inserting, the table would look like this: 

EmployeeID	Name	Department
1	Alice	HR
2	Bob	IT

Why you may need to reset identity seed 

As powerful as the SQL Server identity column is, it can be frustrating to use after data cleanup. Most times, instead of the identity column resetting automatically, it continues incrementing from the last value used. To avoid this, you need to reset the identity seed. 

Here are common scenarios where you need to reset your identity seed in SQL Server: 

• After multiple rounds of insertions and deletions. 
• When you’ve cleared old records and want the table value to start all over. 
• When a transaction inserts a row and then fails or rolls back. 
• After you’ve performed large imports or rollbacks. 
• After truncating a table or clearing out test data. 

Methods to reset identity seed in SQL Server 

There are several methods you can use to reset an identity seed in SQL Server. The method you choose depends on your specific need. 

In the table below, you‘ll find some of the most common methods, use cases, examples/tools, etc. 

Method	Use case	Reset seed?	Keeps data?	Code example/tool	Notes
DBCC CHECKIDENT	When you want to set the next identity value manually.	Yes	Yes	DBCC CHECKIDENT (‘table_name’, RESEED, 0)	Specify the correct seed value manually.
TRUNCATE TABLE	When you want to delete all rows and reset the seed.	Yes	No	TRUNCATE TABLE table_name	Fast, but can’t be used if the table has foreign key constraints.
DELETE + DBCC CHECKIDENT	When you delete rows and want to reset numbering manually.	Yes	Yes	DELETE FROM table_name; DBCC CHECKIDENT(…)	Combines row deletion with seed reset.
SET IDENTITY_INSERT ON	When you want to insert specific values manually.	No (not automatic)	Yes	SET IDENTITY_INSERT table_name ON	Used to insert explicit values; doesn’t reset seed by itself.
dbForge Studio for SQL Server	When you want a visual, script-free method	Yes	Yes / No	GUI-based (no SQL needed)	Best for those who prefer working with a graphical interface.

Using DBCC CHECKIDENT  

DBCC CHECKIDENTis a simple and effective command for resetting identity seeds in SQL Server. It’s especially useful after bulk deletions or operations that disrupt the sequence of your identity values. DBCC CHECKIDENTallows you to manually reseed a table to any starting value when needed. 

Here is the syntax for this method: 

DBCC CHECKIDENT ('table_name', RESEED, new_seed); 

• Replace table_name with the table whose identity you want to reseed. 
• Replace new_seed with the new starting value you want to set. The next inserted record will have new_seed + 1 as its identity value. 

 

Using TRUNCATE TABLE  

TRUNCATE TABLEis another method to reset the identity seed in SQL Server. It is useful for clearing out a table and resetting its identity values or for quickly deleting large volumes of data without tracking each row deletion. 

The syntax for this is as follows:  

TRUNCATE TABLE table_name; 

 

Using SET IDENTITY_INSERT 

After defining your identity column in SQL Server, you cannot manually insert a value into the column because the server does this automatically. But sometimes, you want control of how value is inserted into the identity column, especially when fixing records after reseeding or restoring old data with specific IDs. This is whereSET IDENTITY_INSERTcomes in. TheSET IDENTITY_INSERTallows you to manually specify identity values, giving you some control over how the value is inserted into your identity column.  

Here is the syntax to use this method: 

SET IDENTITY_INSERT table_name ON; 
INSERT INTO table_name (identity_column, other_columns) 
VALUES (your_specific_identity_value, other_values); 
SET IDENTITY_INSERT table_name OFF; 

How to check the current identity value in SQL Server 

SQL Server provides several ways to check the current identity of a table after reseeding your identity seed. Here are the three main methods:  

• IDENT_CURRENT 
• SCOPE_IDENTITY() 
• @@IDENTITY. 

Using IDENT_CURRENT 

You can useIDENT_CURRENTto verify identity values after reseeding or to check the current identity value for a table from any location, even outside your current session or transaction. You can also use it to check the identity value of large operations. 

Syntax: 

SELECT IDENT_CURRENT('table_name') AS CurrentIdentityValue; 

Example: 

SELECT IDENT_CURRENT('Employees') AS CurrentIdentityValue; 

If the highestEmployeeIDin the Employees table is 100, this query will return 100. 

Using SCOPE_IDENTITY() 

SCOPE_IDENTITY()returns the last identity value generated in the current scope and session. “Scope” means the current stored procedure, trigger, or batch.SCOPE_IDENTITY()is best used when you need to get the identity value immediately after inserting a new record within your current operation and when you want to prevent unexpected results caused by triggers or other operations running in the background. 

Syntax: 

SELECT SCOPE_IDENTITY() AS LastInsertedIdentity; 

Example: 

INSERT INTO Employees (Name, Department) 
VALUES ('John Doe', 'IT'); 
 
SELECT SCOPE_IDENTITY() AS LastInsertedIdentity; 

This returns theEmployeeIDthat was just created for “John Doe.” 

Using @@IDENTITY 

@@IDENTITYreturns the last identity value generated in your current session across all scopes, including inside triggers. It is best used when you want your session’s most recent identity value generated, even if it happened inside a trigger or nested operation. 

Syntax: 

SELECT @@IDENTITY AS LastIdentity; 

Example: 

INSERT INTO Employees (Name, Department) 
VALUES ('Jane Smith', 'Finance'); 
SELECT @@IDENTITY AS LastIdentity; 

Key differences betweenIDENT_CURRENT,SCOPE_IDENTITY(), and@@IDENTITY 

Function	Scope	Session-specific	Safe to use with triggers?	Best scenario
IDENT_CURRENT	Table-wide	No	Yes	Checking the current identity of a table system-wide
SCOPE_IDENTITY()	Current operation (batch, trigger, procedure)	Yes	Yes	Getting the ID immediately after an INSERT
@@IDENTITY	Session-wide (across scopes)	Yes	No	Only when no triggers are involved.

The best way: resetting identity with dbForge Studio for SQL Server 

SQL scripts likeDBCC CHECKIDENTare excellent for resetting identity values. However, remembering the exact syntax for your scenario each time you want to reset your identity value can be challenging. This is where dbForge Studio for SQL Server becomes an invaluable SQL Server GUI tool. 

dbForge Studio for SQL Server is a professional integrated development environment (IDE) with top-notch features that make working with identity columns simple and intuitive. With dbForge Studio, you can reset identity values with just a few clicks instead of manually typing and executing complex SQL queries. 

Why use dbForge Studio to reset identity? 

Here are some of the reasons developers, DBAs, and data professionals prefer using dbForge Studio when it comes to reseeding identity columns: 

Visual, user-friendly interface 

dbForge Studio offers a clear, point-and-click interface where you can easily select your table and reset its identity value, even if you’re not an SQL expert. With dbForge Studio for SQL Server, you don’t have to switch between documentation tabs and SQL query windows. 

Fewer errors 

Manual SQL scripts can be tricky; one wrong number, typo, or missing script could cause errors. But with dbForge Studio, you get guided steps and built-in validation that checks your input before applying changes. No mistakes, no errors. 

Faster workflows 

Resetting an identity seed in SQL Server manually involves checking the current value, writing the reseed command, verifying the outcome, and fixing errors if anything goes wrong. dbForge Studio speeds this up to a simple, streamlined process, saving you time, especially when managing multiple tables. 

Built-in validation 

dbForge Studio checks for common issues like reseeding to a lower value than the current maximum ID (which could break future inserts), invalid table selection, or missing identity columns. This process ensures your reseeding is not just quick but also safe. 

Ideal for beginners and experts alike 

Whether you are new to SQL Server or an experienced DBA, dbForge Studio helps you reseed without needing to memorize SQL syntax. It lets you manage identity columns across multiple databases with batch operations, advanced filtering, and reporting. 

Explore dbForge Studio for SQL Server. 

Conclusion 

Managing identity columns effectively is key to keeping your database clean, consistent, and error-free, especially after deleting data or resetting test environments. While SQL Server offers manual commands likeDBCC CHECKIDENTandTRUNCATE TABLE, they require precision and can be risky if misused. For a more reliable and user-friendly option, dbForge Studio for SQL Server provides a visual approach that simplifies reseeding, minimizes errors, and speeds up your workflow.

FAQ 

What is reseed identity in SQL? 

Reseeding an identity means resetting the starting point for the identity column’s numbering sequence. This is commonly done withDBCC CHECKIDENT. 

How do I change the seed of an identity in SQL Server? 

Use the commandDBCC CHECKIDENT('table_name', RESEED, new_seed) to set a new seed. 

DoesDELETE reset identity? 

No,DELETEdoes not reset the identity seed. You must explicitly reseed usingDBCC CHECKIDENT. 

What’s the difference betweenDELETEandTRUNCATEin this context? 

• DELETE removes rows but retains the identity seed. 

• TRUNCATE removes all rows and automatically resets the identity seed.  

Can I reseed to a lower value than the current max? 

Yes, but ensure no duplicate key conflicts occur when inserting new records.