How to Add a Column in MySQL

Last updated July 24, 2026 · By the SaturnSQL team

Use ALTER TABLE ... ADD COLUMN. Since MySQL 8.0 adding a column is usually an instant metadata change. Use AFTER to control position, and add several columns in one ALTER.

ALTER TABLE orders ADD COLUMN discount DECIMAL(5,2) DEFAULT 0;

ALTER TABLE orders
  ADD COLUMN status VARCHAR(20) AFTER amount,
  ADD COLUMN updated_at TIMESTAMP NULL;