as fredrik and others have mentioned, '%%' in a format string gives you the single '%' in the string as desired.
however, in your specific application (database), it's best to avoid using Python's string formatting unless that is the default provided by your database adapter for the reasons that carsten mentioned, namely the possibility of a SQL injection attack. when dealing with databases, it's always safest to let the adapter code format your string for you. good luck! -- wesley - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "Core Python Programming", Prentice Hall, (c)2007,2001 http://corepython.com wesley.j.chun :: wescpy-at-gmail.com python training and technical consulting cyberweb.consulting : silicon valley, ca http://cyberwebconsulting.com -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list