Where are the default settings for backup compression? The Back Up dialog shows three options. Here is where the server default lives and how to set it.
How to Estimate Space Saved by Data Compression in SQL Server? – Interview Question of the Week #167
How to estimate space saved by data compression in SQL Server? Use the built-in sp_estimate_data_compression_savings procedure. Here is a quick example.
Row and Page Compression: Estimating Savings Before You Compress
Estimate row and page compression savings per index and partition, then compare storage, CPU, reads, and maintenance before deployment.
SQL Server Backup Compression: How Much Space It Saves
Backup compression needs only the COMPRESSION option in the BACKUP statement. This post backs up a demo database twice and compares the sizes and times. It also checks the restore, explains the error that mixing compressed and plain backups raises, and covers the costs.
Columnar File Formats: Why Parquet Changed Big Data
Columnar file formats store a table one column at a time, so a report reads and compresses only the columns it needs. This post compares rows and columns on a tiny table, explains how a Parquet file is laid out, and measures the size difference in SQL Server 2025.
ZSTD Backup Compression in SQL Server 2025
Test ZSTD backup compression in SQL Server 2025, compare recorded sizes and algorithms, and check restores before changing defaults.
Reducing the Size of a Reporting Database
Reducing the size of a reporting database starts with compression, archiving, and index review; shrinking files comes last.