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SQL SERVER – Actual Execution Plan vs. Estimated Execution Plan

Pinal Dave
SQL, SQL Performance, SQL Server, SQL Tips and Tricks
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I was recently invited to participate in big discussion on one of the online forum, the topic was Actual Execution Plan vs. Estimated Execution Plan. I refused to participate in that particular discussion as I have very simple but strong opinion about this topic. I always use Actual Execution Plan as it is accurate.

Why not Estimated Execution Plan? It is not accurate. Sometime it is easier or useful to to know the plan without running query. I just run query and have correct and accurate Execution Plan.

Shortcut for Display Estimated Execution Plan : CTRL + L
Shortcut for Include Actual Execution Plan : CTRL + M

You can use SSMS to include the execution plan as well.

SQL SERVER - Actual Execution Plan vs. Estimated Execution Plan ExecutionPlan

Reference : Pinal Dave (https://darkslategrey-bat-805937.hostingersite.com)

DBA, Execution Plan, SQL Scripts
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Pinal Dave is an SQL Server Performance Tuning Expert and independent consultant with over 22 years of hands-on experience. He holds a Masters of Science degree and numerous database certifications.

Pinal has authored 14 SQL Server database books and 92 Pluralsight courses. To freely share his knowledge and help others build their expertise, Pinal has also written more than 5,800 database tech articles on his blog at https://darkslategrey-bat-805937.hostingersite.com.

Pinal is an experienced and dedicated professional with a deep commitment to flawless customer service. If you need help with any SQL Server Performance Tuning Issues, please feel free to reach out at pinal@sqlauthority.com.

Pinal is also a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer (CF-L1) and CrossFit Level 2 Trainer (CF-L2).

Nupur Dave is a social media enthusiast and an independent consultant. She primarily focuses on the database domain, helping clients build short and long-term multi-channel campaigns to drive leads for their sales pipeline.

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