File Geodatabase — Calculate field using SQL

[Bud]

Could SQL field calculation support be added for file geodatabases, similar to enterprise geodatabases?

That would let us take advantage of the power and simplicity of SQL. Including joins, subqueries, and GROUP BY, which are all supported by file geodatabase SQL.

SQL for reporting and analysis on file geodatabases

[Miralem_Zeljo]

Can you please add this functionality as currently inline variables in model builder are only supproted thru SQL and cannot be used in Python/Arcade as '%Name%'.

This would give users a lot more versatility when using model builder and manipulating the data.

[Miralem_Zeljo]

SQL option seems to be available only with hosted data. The goal would be to make it work for local data in the file geodatabase.

[Miralem_Zeljo]

I am sorry Bud, 

I have tried looking for existing ideas that matched mine but could not find any.

https://community.esri.com/t5/arcgis-pro-ideas/allow-sql-to-calculate-field-in-table-or-shape/idc-p/...

I have asked for an enhancement on this and to be honest I am disapointed that we only have 2 kudos on this idea since you first posted this.

[Miralem_Zeljo]

Sorry Bud, 

I did not see this show up when I was posting my Idea.

I hope we can see some traction on this soon though!

[JoshuaBixby]

@SSWoodward, I am very intrigued.  Although the idea title states 'file geodatabase,' would this functionality be broader than that?

[SSWoodward]

This Idea was also moved to In Product Plan @JoshuaBixby 

Mobile Geodatabase - Calculate Field Using SQL

[Bud]

Related: Use SQL for field calculations on versioned data (option to move edits to base)

[SSWoodward]

Thank you to everyone showing their support for this idea.

The ability to apply SQL statements when performing calculations using the calculate field geoprocessing tool in file and mobile geodatabases was added in ArcGIS Pro 3.5.  Unfortunately, an issue (described in this knowledge article) was identified in the initial release. The issue was treated with urgency and fixed in ArcGIS Pro 3.5 Patch 1 (3.5.1) released June 3, 2025. Each patch is cumulative of all previous patch fixes. It is highly recommended to apply the most current patch immediately after installing ArcGIS Pro 3.5. The ArcGIS Pro patch download(s) accessible from My Esri are equivalent to software update(s) while using ArcGIS Pro.

For more information on SQL supported in file and mobile geodatabases, refer to the documentation linked below. 
 

Happy Mapping! 

SQL Reference for Query Expressions used in ArcGIS