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Q&A Would a MySQL database run more efficiently with smaller varchar lengths?

I have a database with quite a few VARCHAR fields. When the database was first built the lengths of the columns were set a bit larger than absolutely necessary. Now after, having used the DB for a ...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by manassehkatz‭

#2: Post edited by user avatar Alexei‭ · 2020-10-21T12:31:44Z (about 4 years ago)
added tags
  • I have a database with quite a few VARCHAR fields. When the database was first built the lengths of the columns were set a bit larger than absolutely necessary.
  • Now after, having used the DB for a while and run a lot of data through it, I have a better idea of how long the fields need to be and am wondering about if reducing the VARCHAR lengths would make it run better.
  • If I set the lengths to say 10 characters plus what is currently the max length would that help the select and join times?
  • I have a database with quite a few VARCHAR fields. When the database was first built the lengths of the columns were set a bit larger than absolutely necessary.
  • Now after, having used the DB for a while and run a lot of data through it, I have a better idea of how long the fields need to be and am wondering about if reducing the VARCHAR lengths would make it run better.
  • If I set the lengths to say 10 characters plus what is currently the max length would that help the select and join times?
#1: Initial revision by user avatar Charlie Brumbaugh‭ · 2020-08-20T01:53:32Z (about 4 years ago)
Would a MySQL database run more efficiently with smaller varchar lengths?
I have a database with quite a few VARCHAR fields. When the database was first built the lengths of the columns were set a bit larger than absolutely necessary.

Now after, having used the DB for a while and run a lot of data through it, I have a better idea of how long the fields need to be and am wondering about if reducing the VARCHAR lengths would make it run better.

If I set the lengths to say 10 characters plus what is currently the max length would that  help the select and join times?