Differential Backup size

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Differential Backup size

cheshirefox

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December 15, 2015 at 2:42 pm

#399477

Hi -
Is there a simple way to estimate the size of a differential backup (uncompressed)? I've checked out the script from P. Randall in 2008.
Anything more recent?

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Lowell SSC Guru Points: 323518 More actions · Answer 1

it would really depend on the database. you'd want to keep track of the sizes some diff packups of the db over time for a while.

if the database just receives occasional updates, vs lots of updates, vs a truncate and reload scenario, all will have different growth and size patterns.

Lowell

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cheshirefox Hall of Fame Points: 3464 More actions · Answer 2

It's a very volatile OLTP environment, with many, many IUD's happening throughout the day.

I'm trying to estimate (by executing a script, if one exists) that size of individual diff backups post full backup.

Thanks in advance.

Grant Fritchey SSC Guru Points: 398909 More actions · Answer 3

A simple way? None that I'm aware of.

I did a search. The script documented here comes up pretty frequently, but it's anything but simple.

Looking at Paul's script, I'm pretty sure it'll still work.

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johnwalker10 SSCrazy Eights Points: 9124 More actions · Answer 4

take a look at this article: https://dougzuck.com/sql-differential-backup-size-prediction

KenpoDBA SSCrazy Eights Points: 9811 More actions · Answer 5

What's your exact use case for this? I can kinda see where it would be useful in some limited circumstances, but otherwise there's not much point.

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akrap SSC Journeyman Points: 81 More actions · Answer 6

I could think of one way, but I wouldn't recommend it. Create snapshot of your database immediately after your full backup. Look at the file size using compact.exe. For example:

compact.exe AdventureWorks_Snapshot.ss