


Datetime or Datetime2? Which SQL Server Data Type Should I Choose for Date and Time?
Jan 19, 2025 pm 11:57 PMSQL Server 2008 Date and Time Data Type Selection: datetime
vs. datetime2
When designing SQL Server 2008 and later databases, developers face a choice between datetime
and datetime2
for storing date and time information. This guide clarifies the optimal selection based on best practices and technical considerations.
datetime
vs. datetime2
: Key Differences
Both data types store date and time values, but their capabilities differ significantly:
-
Date Range and Precision:
datetime2
boasts a broader date range (1 to 9999) compared todatetime
(1753-1900) and offers millisecond to nanosecond precision, configurable by the user. -
Default Precision:
datetime
defaults to three decimal places for fractional seconds, whiledatetime2
defaults to seven. -
Customizable Precision:
datetime2
allows users to define precision, optimizing storage and query performance.
Recommended Approach
Microsoft's MSDN documentation strongly recommends datetime2
for new applications. Its SQL standard compliance, improved portability, and enhanced precision (crucial for applications needing precise timekeeping or global time zone handling) make it the superior choice.
Storage Efficiency Considerations
Although datetime2
provides greater flexibility and accuracy, storage space is a factor. Users can mitigate this by specifying the necessary precision level, minimizing storage while retaining the required granularity.
Further Considerations
The following points warrant attention when deciding:
-
Legacy System Compatibility: Existing systems or interoperability requirements might necessitate the use of
datetime
. -
Performance: While generally negligible,
datetime2
might exhibit slightly higher overhead in specific scenarios. Performance testing is advisable for critical applications.
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