Configure the fill factor Server Configuration Option
This topic describes how to configure the fill factor server configuration option in SQL Server 2012 by using SQL Server Management Studio or Transact-SQL. Fill factor is provided for fine-tuning index data storage and performance. When an index is created or rebuilt, the fill-factor value determines the percentage of space on each leaf-level page to be filled with data, reserving the rest as free space for future growth. For more information, see Specify Fill Factor for an Index.
In This Topic
Before you begin:
Recommendations
Security
To configure the fill factor option, using:
SQL Server Management Studio
Transact-SQL
Follow Up: After you configure the fill factor option
Before You Begin
Recommendations
- This option is an advanced option and should be changed only by an experienced database administrator or certified SQL Server technician.
Security
Permissions
Execute permissions on sp_configure with no parameters or with only the first parameter are granted to all users by default. To execute sp_configure with both parameters to change a configuration option or to run the RECONFIGURE statement, a user must be granted the ALTER SETTINGS server-level permission. The ALTER SETTINGS permission is implicitly held by the sysadmin and serveradmin fixed server roles.
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Using SQL Server Management Studio
To configure the fill factor option
In Object Explorer, right-click a server and select Properties.
Click the Database Settings node.
In the Default index fill factor box, type or select the index fill factor that you want.
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Using Transact-SQL
To configure the fill factor option
Connect to the Database Engine.
From the Standard bar, click New Query.
Copy and paste the following example into the query window and click Execute. This example shows how to use sp_configure to set the value of the fill factor option to 100.
Use AdventureWorks2012;
GO
sp_configure 'show advanced options', 1;
GO
RECONFIGURE;
GO
sp_configure 'fill factor', 100;
GO
RECONFIGURE;
GO
For more information, see Server Configuration Options.
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Follow Up: After you configure the fill factor option
The server must be restarted before the setting can take effect.
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