Estimated Execution Plan.

• brk5tr

  Ten Centuries

  Points: 1360

  More actions

  April 12, 2012 at 3:12 am

  #253904

  Hi.

  I'm using the DMV below to retrieve an execution plan from the cache. I've noticed that this is an 'Estimated' plan; not an 'Actual' plan. Is there a reason why i am provided with an 'Estimated' plan?

  dm_exec_query_stats.

  Thanks.

• Gail Shaw

  SSC Guru

  Points: 1004504

  More actions

  April 12, 2012 at 4:32 am

  #1472449

  Because run-time information is not stored with the plan in cache. It can't be. If the plan was executed 10 times, which execution's run-time information would be included with the plan?

  The only difference between an 'actual execution plan' and an 'estimated execution plan' is that the estimated plan does not contain run-time information.

  http://sqlinthewild.co.za/index.php/2009/02/19/estimated-and-actual-execution-plan-revisited/

  Gail Shaw
  Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
  SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

  We walk in the dark places no others will enter
  We stand on the bridge and no one may pass

• brk5tr

  Ten Centuries

  Points: 1360

  More actions

  April 12, 2012 at 4:37 am

  #1472455

  Thanks for your reply.