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Can I change a column from smallint to float?

  • July 4, 2013 at 4:53 pm

    #395089

    I've got a column, in 1 table, that's a smallint. Then I've got another table with the same column name (it's meant to be the same thing) but it is a float. I'd really like to change the data type in the first table to a float, too, but am concerned that I might loose data. May I just change the data type from smallint to float, and will SQL Server 2008 R2 keep my data?

    Rod

  • July 4, 2013 at 5:22 pm

    #1629912

    yes

  • July 8, 2013 at 10:31 am

    #1630510

    What does the column hold? If the smallint holds all the appropriate values, I'd go the other way, making the float into a smallint. Float is an approximate data type, so there are interesting issues that can crop up with its usage when not properly applied.

    And then again, I might be wrong ...
    David Webb

  • July 8, 2013 at 10:32 am

    #1630512

    Yes, SQL Server will retain the values when you change the data type.

    Mark

  • July 8, 2013 at 10:59 am

    #1630523

    I think David is on to something here. If both columns are meant to be the same and they actually do hold smallint data, then convert the float column to a smallint data type. Your table size will be smaller and you won't suffer from the approximate data type.

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