Execution plans connect a query with the work SQL Server chooses. I start with a small question and inspect the relevant properties.
Readers ask where to begin. I think of a plan as a route to a result. Different routes have different costs. The destination still needs to be the correct result.
Separate the evidence
An estimated plan does not execute the query. An actual plan accompanies execution and adds available runtime information. The displayed cost percentages remain estimates; they are not a stopwatch measurement of each operator.
Keep the useful original lessons
A workshop team avoided procedure comments because it feared a larger execution plan. Comments, spaces and tabs don’t add logical operators. Different query text can still affect cache identity. I keep those two questions separate.
The original linked puzzle asks why one row can have a complicated plan in WideWorldImporters. Keep that exercise as a reader investigation. Read properties, estimated versus actual rows, warnings, and access paths before guessing from the picture.
Related reading
- SQL SERVER – Video – Beginning Performance Tuning with SQL Server Execution Plan
- SQL SERVER – Execution Plan Ignores Tabs, Spaces, and Comments
- SQL Server Performance Tuning Practical Workshop
- SQL SERVER – Puzzle – Why Such a Complicated Execution Plan for a Single Row, Single Table Query?
- Install AdventureWorks and WideWorldImporters: Updated 2026
A plan percentage is not a stopwatch reading, it is an estimate within the chosen plan.
Published by Pinal Dave on SQLAuthority. More of my work at pinaldave.com.
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28 Comments. Leave new
On 12th oct, 2011 I have gone to kolkatta from Agartala by Spicejet 874. We have reached to kolkatta at perfect time. The air hosstresses are so helpfull. They are talking with the passangers in very sweet and low voice. I am impressed on the cabin crew and I want to go again and again by this flight.
it was great experience by Spicejet.>>> i am not at all agreed by your comments…
most importantly characters of many spicejet pilots are not good.one of my colleague knew one spicejet pilot,Mr Vaibhav Sharma,1st officer of the same airlines,character wise that man was nothing but a male prostitute.he insisted boarders specially night time international boarders to make physical relationship with him.if they are not willing to do it,that man became very abusive.i think this type of person is unfit for this responsible job.he must be kicked out from the job.
Dear Simran,
Next time you try to defame someone, google about the profession, the industry and correct terminology. The above mentioned pilot is aware of this fake profile and complaint, and will soon file a complaint against you under section 499 of IPC.